Dynamic Leader with Expertise in Operations, Team Building, and Program DevelopmentAccomplished director and operations professional with over 15 years of experience leading large-scale projects and high-impact teams in diverse environments. Proven track record of driving organizational growth, with expertise in fundraising, community building, and program development. Adept at assembling and leading cross-functional teams, overseeing operations, and developing strategic frameworks to scale impact-driven programs. Extensive experience in hospitality and client management, including managing multi-million-dollar operations, leading diverse teams, and delivering innovative solutions to meet client needs. Recognized for fostering inclusive cultures and cultivating strong relationships with key stakeholders to achieve sustainable growth.
-
General ManagerAramarkDetroit, Mi, Us -
DirectorBas Blue May 2021 - May 2024Detroit, Michigan, United States- Led the development and successful launch of BasBlue, a 12,000 sq. ft. community space for women and nonbinary individuals, managing the project from initial concept to grand opening.- Raised over $4M in capital, targeted fundraising efforts from donors, corporate sponsors, members, and nonprofit organizations, including two major galas.- Assembled and led a diverse team by recruiting and hiring for 15 essential roles in operations, member services, hospitality, and programming, while cultivating a culture of collaboration and empowerment.- Partnered with various consultants to support marketing, social media, finance, public relations, and grant writing efforts.- Designed, launched, and developed six impact-driven programs that support women entrepreneurs and professionals, including mentorship initiatives, educational workshops, and networking events.- Grew membership to 700+ members within two years by offering high-value programming and fostering a vibrant, inclusive community.- Collaborated closely with esteemed Co-Founders and Board of Directors to seek advice and support.- Created a strategic framework to scale impact programs, resulting in increased program participation and enhanced community engagement.- Managed and executed 100 programs annually, including high-impact initiatives focused on education, leadership, and business development.- Forged key partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations, expanding resources and opportunities for members.- Oversaw daily operations, including space management and member services, to ensure a seamless and enriching member experience.BasBlue is a non-profit organization, made possible by The BasBlue Foundation, dedicated to advancing economic mobility and leadership skills by providing valuable resources for personal and professional developmental growth to underrepresented and under-resourced women and non-binary individuals in Southeast Michigan. -
General ManagerAramark Aug 2017 - Jul 2020General Motors- Oversaw operations generating nearly $30M in total revenue across complex cafés, production and distribution kitchens, licensed stores, including Starbucks, Einstein Bros Bagels and Freshii, catering, eight 24/7 micro markets, 30 buildings with office coffee solutions, and 180 vending machines.- Managed comprehensive profit and loss budget, resulting in annual improvements and recognition.- Led and inspired a team of 10 salaried managers including Food Service Directors, Culinarians, Marketing Manager, Catering Manager and Controllers.- Negotiated and collaborated with 120 Union Team Members across eight Collective Bargaining Agreements. - Managed business relationship across all U.S. General Motors locations, including manufacturing sites.- Reinvigorated renovation projections; completing four new construction projects, including licensed Starbucks and Freshii national brands, grab and go market, and full-service coffee shop.- Assumed District Manager role for 12 months, overseeing 14 accounts with $27M in annual revenue, while securing and opening three new client accounts.- Built and implemented a pricing strategy with the analyst team achieving a 5% increase in revenue, supporting center-driven growth initiatives.- Implemented a catering program to include multi-location offerings for GM employees.- Collaborated with Transformation Team for a future $4M phased office coffee solution.- Converted four cafes into 24/7 self-check out markets, resulting in positive performance trends. - Partnered with Sales Team to secure potential new business opportunities.- Implemented “2 Year Plan” focused on growth, client care, and team building.- Created solid relationships, with personal reorganization in Client Survey, with key GM clients; including the Global Lead for Work Place Services- Established three Labor/Marketing/Safety Champion roles to cross utilize managers amongst all locations. -
Director Of Retail OperationsAramark Aug 2013 - Aug 2017Wayne State University- Successfully transitioned account to Aramark from a previous contractor, while exceeding client expectations.- Constructed, opened and led 15 retail operations at Wayne State University, including eight national brands generating $5.4M annual revenue Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Subway, Panda Express, Taco Bell, Wing Stop, Einstein Bros Bagels, Freshii- Optimized operations during $8M retail dining renovation, successfully opening 11 new venues over three years, surpassing volume expectations, meeting financial expectations and received client appreciation award upon project completion.- Management responsibilities included: complex weekly operating statements, ensuring brand compliance, brand representative and client relations, and preparing monthly projections.- Led engaged team of four salaried managers, 16 supervisors, 40 union employees and 225 student employees. -
Food Service DirectorAramark Oct 2008 - Aug 2013Ford Motor Company/ Bcbsm/ General Motors Tech Center- Effectively managed union employees, an executive chef and a catering supervisor.- Assigned to three client groups during tenure: General Motors Tech Center, Blue Cross Blue Shield Headquarters, and Ford Motor Company.- Led teams in the daily operations of $3M business, consistently generating positive profit trends annually.- Management responsibilities included: client relations, budgets, accounts payable and receivable, inventory management ($50k, various vendors), scheduling, hiring, training and coaching.- Contributed as a selected member of the opening management teams at Nationwide Insurance, Columbus, Ohio and Dow Chemical, Midland, Michigan. -
Director Of BanquetsPapa Joe'S Gourmet Market Jun 2008 - Oct 2008
-
Sr. Banquet ManagerWhite Lodging Services Aug 2006 - Jun 2008
Maria Baker Education Details
-
Hospitality Business -
Effective Communications & Human Relations
Frequently Asked Questions about Maria Baker
What company does Maria Baker work for?
Maria Baker works for Aramark
What is Maria Baker's role at the current company?
Maria Baker's current role is General Manager.
What schools did Maria Baker attend?
Maria Baker attended Michigan State University - The Eli Broad College Of Business, Dale Carnegie Training.
Not the Maria Baker you were looking for?
-
Maria Baker
Asheville, Nc2gmail.com, kornferry.com3 +195223XXXXX
-
Maria Baker
Greater Pittsburgh Region5duq.edu, pnc.com, hmhs.com, highmark.com, highmarkhealth.org -
1sugf.com
-
1medhost.com
1 +161576XXXXX
Free Chrome Extension
Find emails, phones & company data instantly
Aero Online
Your AI prospecting assistant
Select data to include:
0 records × $0.02 per record
Download 750 million emails and 100 million phone numbers
Access emails and phone numbers of over 750 million business users. Instantly download verified profiles using 20+ filters, including location, job title, company, function, and industry.
Start your free trial