Ross Baker Email & Phone Number

Seattle, WA, US

Seattle, Washington, United States

Adjunct faculty position, teaching public policy, public affairs, health care policy analysis and critical thinking to health graduate students.

Seattle, WA

Directed government relations, public policy development and advocacy at the state, federal and local level for nationally recognized hospital, health clinics, research institute for autoimmune disease, and HIV/AIDS. Addressed health care, health reform, research, telehealth, sustainability and business issues such as tax policy, transportation, land use.

Greater Seattle Area And Washington State

Provided public policy research, issues analysis, media relations, community relations and strategic counsel to businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals. Clients included: Virginia Mason Medical Center, Community Resources Information, Inc., Classic Foods (specialty foods manufacturer and distributor) and nonprofit board members.

• Directed government relations and public policy at the state and local levels; liaison to Washington Congressional delegationResponsibilities
• Directed state government relations with Governor’s office, legislature, Office of the Insurance Commissioner and Department of Health
• Directed local government relations, with special emphasis in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties
• Developed strategic outreach program for communicating health care reform changes in Washington State to government officials and community organizations
• Expanded collaborative relationships with and represented company with local nonprofit organizationsAccomplishments
• Directed successful lobbying effort for passage of small group-related health insurance legislation, collaborating with insurance brokers, insurance carriers and business organizations

• Oversaw administrative operations and advised nine elected councilmembers on behalf of 1.8 million citizens
• Directed Council’s senior administrative team and oversaw 7 direct reports with 27 employees and 5 operating units: regional and state government relations; communications and media; administration and employment.
• Developed strategic approaches for Council’s position on major policy issues.
• Negotiated policy, programmatic and political issues with County Executive and departments; other regional entities.
• Oversaw development and management of Council’s $10 million annual departmental budgets. Accomplishments
• Led initiatives to improve operations and increase efficiency within County government for legislative department, county government’s public television station, and annual budget-building process.

Seattle, WA

• Provided public policy research, issues analysis, media, strategic and legal counsel to businesses, non-profits and individuals.Public Affairs Consultant/Attorney at Law
• Performed community relations and local government lobbying for various clients, including Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, US Bank, Community Resources Information, Inc. (human services nonprofit) and local.
• Conducted local government relations for T-Mobile, ACS State & Local Solutions, Metricom and other clients.
• Negotiated telecommunications franchise agreements with 15 local governments in Oregon.
• Served as interim Executive Director for newly-incorporated Institute for Public Service Training. Developed and executed initial strategic plan and operating budget.
• Secured more than $70,000 in funding from corporate, private and nonprofit entities for start-up nonprofit, including $25,000 Seattle Foundation grant.

• Directed government affairs and federal lobbying for $9.6 million HIV/AIDS service and advocacy organizationResponsibilities
• Led strategic planning for federal, state and local government issues concerning HIV/AIDS, healthcare policy, housing and nutrition issues.
• Participated on agency’s senior management team as executive-level director.
• Managed team of: staff, lobbyists, media consultant and interns, including hiring and training personnel.
• Lobbied Washington and Oregon Congressional delegations on Medicare, Medicaid, and scientific research issues.
• Developed and executed government affairs strategic plan to increase policy briefings and training for staff, consumers and board members. Accomplishments

J.D., Law

Activities and Societies: President, Student Bar Association

B.A., Cum Laude And Departmental Honors, Political Science

Activities and Societies: Senior Thesis Award for Public Policy Writing; All Conference Honors for SCIAC Track & Field

H.S.