Cara Bahr
Corman Park,Saskatchewan
Summary
Dynamic leader with expertise in strategic planning and performance management, driving transformation at YWCA Saskatoon. Spearheaded a $19M capital campaign, enhancing governance and risk management. Skilled in workforce leadership within unionized environments, fostering collaboration and innovation. Proven track record in achieving corporate objectives through strategic execution and stakeholder engagement.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Executive Officer
YWCA Saskatoon
Saskatoon, Canada
01.2020 - Current
- Accountable for corporate strategy, organizational performance, financial sustainability, governance, and risk management, in partnership with a Board of Directors.
- Led organization-wide strategic planning and annual business planning cycles, translating long-term strategy into operating plans, KPIs, and balanced scorecards.
- Designed and implemented a corporate performance framework to monitor progress, inform decision-making, and support transparent reporting to the Board and funders.
- Established disciplined reporting practices to track outcomes, risks, and resource utilization across multiple service lines.
- Directed large-scale transformation initiatives, including the development and delivery of 35 units of transitional housing for women and children, from concept to completion in 18 months.
- Guided leaders and staff through significant organizational change, balancing urgency, stakeholder expectations, and operational continuity in a unionized environment.
- Serve as primary liaison to the Board, preparing strategic, performance, and risk reports to support informed oversight and decision-making.
- Developed and implemented an enterprise risk management policy, reporting framework, and risk register to strengthen governance and accountability.
- Led the organization’s largest capital campaign, raising more than $19M in under one year through disciplined planning, performance tracking, and stakeholder engagement.
- Managed organizational budgets and resource allocation to align with strategic priorities and performance objectives.
Community Engagement Manager
Affinity Credit Union
Saskatoon, Canada
01.2015 - 01.2020
- Led strategic planning and execution of Affinity’s community investment, sustainability, and reconciliation initiatives.
- Directed data collection and analysis to assess program effectiveness, social impact, and alignment with corporate values and strategy.
- Prepared executive-level reports and recommendations to senior leadership and the Board.
- Negotiated complex sponsorship and partnership agreements, including major naming rights arrangements.
- Led the development of an alternative financial product to address payday lending risk and financial exclusion.
- Responsible for enterprise-wide corporate social responsibility and community investment strategy, reporting within a highly regulated financial services environment.
Credit Support Manager
Affinity Credit Union
Saskatoon, Canada
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Managed a province-wide team responsible for loan documentation, including large and complex commercial transactions.
- Led workforce planning, performance management, and change management through a merger and core banking system conversion.
- Gained significant experience managing staff within a collective bargaining environment.
Internal Auditor
Affinity Credit Union
Saskatoon, Canada
01.2009 - 01.2012
- Conducted risk-based assurance and consulting engagements evaluating governance, strategic execution, operations, and information systems.
- Provided data-driven recommendations to senior leaders to improve controls, performance, and risk mitigation.
Project Accountant
International Road Dynamics
Financial Analyst
Cover-All Building Systems
Staff Accountant
Twigg & Company
Retail Auditor
Federated Co-operatives Ltd.
Education
ICD.D - in progress - Governance
Institute of Corporate Directors
12.2025
Chartered Professional Accountant -
CPA Saskatchewan
03-2006
Bachelor of Commerce - Accounting
University of Saskatchewan
05-2002
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of Saskatchewan
01-2001
Skills
- Corporate & Strategic Planning
- Business Planning & Performance Management
- Business Analytics & Decision Support
- Organizational Change & Transformation
- Facilitation, Training & Capability Development
- Governance, Risk & Compliance
- Workforce Leadership in Unionized Environments
Education Professional Designations
- Institute of Corporate Directors, ICD.D Designation, In Progress
- Chartered Professional Accountant, CPA, 2006
- Certified Internal Auditor, CIA, 2010
- University of Saskatchewan, Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), With Distinction
- University of Saskatchewan, Bachelor of Arts (Sociology), With Distinction
Board Governance Experience
- Affinity Credit Union, Board Member; Chair, Risk Committee - current
- Saskatoon Industry Education Council, Board Chair
- Saskatoon Interval House, Vice-Chair
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saskatoon, Board Member
- Canadian Credit Union Association, Community Impact Council Member
Timeline
Chief Executive Officer
YWCA Saskatoon
01.2020 - Current
Community Engagement Manager
Affinity Credit Union
01.2015 - 01.2020
Credit Support Manager
Affinity Credit Union
01.2012 - 01.2015
Internal Auditor
Affinity Credit Union
01.2009 - 01.2012
Project Accountant
International Road Dynamics
Financial Analyst
Cover-All Building Systems
Staff Accountant
Twigg & Company
Retail Auditor
Federated Co-operatives Ltd.
ICD.D - in progress - Governance
Institute of Corporate Directors
Chartered Professional Accountant -
CPA Saskatchewan
Bachelor of Commerce - Accounting
University of Saskatchewan
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of Saskatchewan