Ramón Buenaventura Báez Méndez (July 14, 1812 – March 14, 1884), was a Dominican politician and military figure. He was president of the Dominican Republic for five nonconsecutive terms. His rule was characterized by being very corrupt and governing for the benefit of his personal fortune. Genealogical studies have identified Buenaventura Báez as one of the fathers of the modern Dominican oligarchy, with many of his descendants dominating the political and economic life of the Dominican Republic today.