Rebecca Bahar-Cook is a Michigan-based nonprofit leader and public servant with a career spanning fundraising, local government, and higher education governance.

A 1992 graduate of Michigan State University, Bahar-Cook began her career working for Congressman Bob Carr in both Michigan and Washington, D.C., sparking her interest in public service and political engagement. She later helped create Capitol Fundraising Associates, where she has led fundraising efforts for numerous nonprofits and civic initiatives, including the Greater Lansing Food Bank, Equality Michigan, and the Michigan Political Leadership Program.

From 2006 to 2016, Bahar-Cook served as an Ingham County Commissioner, representing parts of Lansing. She also held roles on the Ingham County Jury Board and chaired the Ingham County Board of Canvassers during the 2020 Election.

In 2024, Bahar-Cook was elected to the Michigan State University Board of Trustees, beginning her eight-year term on January 1, 2025. 

Beyond her professional roles, Bahar-Cook is active in community service. She chairs the Capitol Area Michigan Works! Workforce Development Board and serves on the boards of the Capital Region Community Foundation and the UM Health Sparrow Specialty Hospital. She is also the president of the Rotary Club of Lansing for the 2024–2025 term.

Bahar-Cook resides in East Lansing with her husband, Todd, and is the proud parent of two MSU graduates.