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Charlie Baker

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Article Genealogy
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Charlie Baker
NameCharlie Baker
CaptionOfficial portrait, 2015
Order72nd
OfficeGovernor of Massachusetts
LieutenantKaryn Polito
Term startJanuary 8, 2015
Term endJanuary 5, 2023
PredecessorDeval Patrick
SuccessorMaura Healey
Office2Secretary of Health and Human Services of Massachusetts
Governor2William Weld, Paul Cellucci
Term start21992
Term end21994
Predecessor2David Forsberg
Successor2Gerald Whitburn
Office3Secretary of Administration and Finance of Massachusetts
Governor3William Weld
Term start31994
Term end31998
Predecessor3Peter Nessen
Successor3Frederick Laskey
PartyRepublican
SpouseLauren Baker
EducationHarvard University (BA), Northwestern University (MBA)
Birth date13 November 1956
Birth placeElmira, New York, U.S.

Charlie Baker is an American politician and administrator who served as the 72nd Governor of Massachusetts from 2015 to 2023. A member of the Republican Party, he was known for his pragmatic, moderate approach and high approval ratings in a predominantly Democratic state. Prior to his governorship, he held senior roles in state government and had a significant career in the healthcare industry.

Early life and education

Born in Elmira, New York, he is the son of Richard Baker, a former Department of the Navy official, and Eleanor Baker, a homemaker. He grew up in Needham, Massachusetts, where he attended Needham High School and was a standout basketball player. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature from Harvard University in 1979, where he was a member of the Harvard Crimson basketball team. He later received a Master of Business Administration from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in 1986.

Business career

After business school, he began his career as a management consultant at the Boston-based firm The Boston Consulting Group. In 1988, he joined the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care organization, rising to become its Chief Executive Officer in 1999. During his tenure, he led a successful financial turnaround of the struggling health maintenance organization, rescuing it from state receivership and restoring its stability. This experience cemented his reputation as a competent manager and problem-solver in both the private and nonprofit sectors.

Political career

His initial foray into public service began in the administrations of Governors William Weld and Paul Cellucci. He served as the state's Secretary of Health and Human Services from 1992 to 1994, overseeing a large portfolio of agencies. He was then appointed Secretary of Administration and Finance, a role he held from 1994 to 1998, where he was credited with helping to close significant budget deficits. After an unsuccessful first run for governor in 2010, losing to incumbent Deval Patrick, he won the office in 2014.

Governor of Massachusetts

Elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2018, his administration focused on bipartisanship, fiscal discipline, and improving state operations. Key initiatives included major investments in public transportation infrastructure for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, addressing the opioid epidemic through expanded treatment access, and signing the Massachusetts Grand Bargain law to raise the minimum wage and create a paid family and medical leave program. He frequently worked with the Massachusetts General Court, controlled by Democrats, and maintained high job approval ratings throughout his tenure, often positioning himself in contrast to national Republican figures like Donald Trump.

Post-governorship

Upon leaving the Massachusetts State House in January 2023, he was appointed as the president of the NCAA Division I Board of Governors. In December 2023, he assumed the role of president of the National Collegiate Athletic Association itself, tasked with leading the organization through a period of significant transformation regarding student-athlete compensation, conference realignment, and governance. He also joined the board of directors for the Massachusetts-based technology firm Toast, Inc..

Personal life

He is married to Lauren Baker, a former television news producer and founder of the nonprofit Catie's Closet. They have three children and reside in Swampscott, Massachusetts. An avid sports fan, he has been a longtime season ticket holder for the Boston Celtics and is known for his participation in community events and triathlons. His family has a history of public service, with his father having served in the administrations of Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.

Category:1956 births Category:Governors of Massachusetts Category:Harvard University alumni Category:Living people Category:Massachusetts Republicans Category:Northwestern University alumni Category:People from Needham, Massachusetts