Darlene Baker serves as BVL Ambassador following her role as Chair of the BVL Board of Directors from 2007 through 2014. Darlene is a passionate advocate for the veterans cause, and specifically BVL. During her tenure as Chair, Darlene oversaw a period of unprecedented growth for BVL including a 35% increase in contributions, a decrease in overhead, and a re-branding.

“My goal is to send the BVL message to every association around the country. I’m confident that when they know more about BVL, they will join in our effort. We are bowling’s OWN, oldest and most successful charity – but we cannot slow down. Our veterans need us now more than ever before in history.”
Darlene points out, “BVL programs are making a difference – right now and every day — in the lives of our active duty and veteran service men and women. What’s more, we operate under an efficient and effective delivery model with very little overhead. That’s the perfect scenario — good plus good equals great.”
Associated with the sport of bowling for more than 45 years, Darlene brings a myriad of skills to the BVL effort. She has served as President of the United State Bowling Congress as well as Vice President and Director, and previously served as a Director for the Women’s International Bowling Congress, the Young American Bowling Alliance and USA Bowling on the national level.
On the lanes, she won eight titles in the 1989 Clinton (Ill.) WBA championships and bowled a high series of 675 to finish fourth in the USBC Open Championships Tournament Classified Division in 2006. She also is a certified lane inspector.
Currently, Darlene serves as President of the Illinois State USBC Youth Association, Director on the Illinois State USBC WBA board, Director on the Champaign Area USBC Association board and was recently elected President for the 16-17 Season. She is presently employed as CFO at the Piatt County Mental Health Center.
When not wearing her many hats for the sport, Darlene and her husband Randy enjoy spending time with their four children and six grandchildren. While Darlene bowls three nights a week, she also finds time for her hobbies including crafts and crocheting.