Melissa Baker Email & Phone Number

United States

Richmond, Virginia

Direct all activities and strategic initiative of Virginia State Parks, a division of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Oversee the operations of 43 state parks including over 75,000 acres and $1.2 billion in infrastructure. Oversee an operational budget of $60 million per year including $30 million in earned revenue. Directly oversee the division leadership team including field operations, public safety and law enforcement, resource management, business and revenue administration, education and interpretation, customer service and professional development. Direct a staff of 329 full time and over 1,000 part time staff including 100 sworn law enforcement officers.

Bismarck, North Dakota

Direct all activities and strategic initiatives of the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, a cabinet level agency. Work in collaboration with other cabinet level agencies to advance statewide crosscutting strategic initiatives within state government. Oversee management of all state parks, state campgrounds, state recreational areas or reserves, and other property under control of the department. Oversee state and federal recreation grants programs. Direct legislative activities including development of biannual budget recommendation as well as development and delivery of legislative testimony. Appoint personnel as necessary. Administer and acquire real property. Develop and oversee operations and capital budgets. Adopt rules and establish penalties related to protections, care, and use of state parks. Protect historic, prehistoric, archeological, and paleontological values of historic sites under control of the department. Represent the department on boards and commissions including the Little Missouri Scenic River Commission, the North Dakota State Historical Society Board of Directors, and the North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund Commission.

Helena Montana

Statewide administration and program development of the Division of Parks and implementation of goals by regional State Park and Recreation program staff. Involved with virtually all aspects of the Department's 55-unit system and grant programs. Oversight of field operations, strategic and master planning, program leadership, board administration, development, implementation, and administrator support.Work with the Administrator and other key staff to establish direction for the division, identify methods by which the direction will be implemented, and supervising effective implementation. Represent Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and Montana State Parks in coordinating with local and county government officials, other state agencies, federal agencies , and others on specific state park issues and projects.

Boulder Junction, Wi

Manage the Operations, visitor services, and capital development programs at the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest. Program management, management planning, staff development and supervision, project management, community relations, and select state-wide projects including: division of Forestry Education and Outreach Strategic Planning and Department of Natural Resources Recreation Policy LEAN Six Sigma Project.

Professor and academic advisor for the forest recreation management major.

Teach classes in park management and tourism.

Conducted research on visitors attitudes and behavior at Glacier National Park.

Ph.D., Forestry

Public land management, protected area planning, natural resources conflict resolution.

Master Of Science, Forestry

Outdoor recreation resource management