Rick Baker

President & CEO

(616) 771-0322

rick@grandrapids.org

About Me

Rick Baker is a career Chamber of Commerce professional, an accountant, and visionary. His Chamber career began in Minnesota in 1988, where he served as Director of Finance & Membership for the Rochester Area Chamber. Rick has also served as President of the Newton Iowa Chamber, home to Maytag Corporation, and President & CEO of the Iowa/Illinois Quad Cities Chamber, home to John Deere, before joining the Grand Rapids Chamber in April 2011.

Rick’s passion for the business community was ignited by growing up in a family with parents who were business owners. He is a graduate of Upper Iowa University and received his U. S. Chamber Institute for Organizational Management certification at the University of Colorado, Boulder.

Rick is a Minnesota native and when not working, he enjoys time with his family. He and his partner have two children and four grandchildren. Rick spends his summers on his boat in Saugatuck and loves a small-town diner or a good dive bar.

Fun Facts:

  • Rick loves a stroll through Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park on a beautiful day.
  • Rick is a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marines captain
  • Favorite Chamber program: Leadership Grand Rapids