Spotlight

Just in time for Father’s Day! Rick Baker, president and CEO of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, is one of five men who will be honored by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the Father’s Day Council of Grand Rapids, Mich., as Father of the Year.  The men will  be recognized on June 6 for their commitment to help stop diabetes in West Michigan.

According to a press release issued by the Greater Michigan ADA, these fathers were selected as Father of the Year honorees based on their ability to balance their personal and professional lives and serve as a role model for their children, while making a positive difference in their communities.

"We are proud of these exceptional fathers who have demonstrated the ability to balance a high level of success in their chosen careers and serve as great role models in our community,” said Tiana Davidson, director of the Greater Michigan ADA. “They deserve recognition not only as fathers and community leaders, but for their commitment to change the future of all people living with diabetes.”

Baker, father to Jennifer (23) and Brian (21),  is a native of Minnesota and has a distinguished 25-year career in chamber  management. He has held executive positions with chambers in Iowa, Illinois and Minnesota, and has been leading the Grand Rapids Area Chamber since April of 2011.  

Baker is a graduate of the University of Colorado Institute for Organization Management and is an active member of ACCE and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He serves on the Boards of Directors of The Right Place, Inc., Downtown Alliance and the West Michigan Policy Forum. He also serves on the Heart of West Michigan United Way Campaign cabinet, City of Grand Rapids Sustainable Streets Task Force, the local government Collaboration Work Group and the State of Michigan Office of Urban and Metropolitan Initiatives Advisory Council.