Charlie Baker

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Charlie Baker official photo

Charlie Baker (born November 13, 1956) is an American businessman and politician who served as the 72nd Governor of Massachusetts from January 8, 2015, to January 5, 2023. A member of the Republican Party, Baker was first elected governor in 2014 and was re-elected in 2018. Prior to his tenure as governor, Baker held various positions in both state government and the private sector.

Early Life and Education

Charlie Baker was born in Elmira, New York, and grew up in Needham, Massachusetts. He is the son of Charles D. Baker, a former top executive at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, and Alice Elizabeth "Betty" Ghormley. Baker graduated from Harvard College in 1979 and obtained an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in 1986.

Career

Early Career

Before entering politics, Baker was a healthcare executive. He served as CEO of Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates and later as CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, a non-profit health benefits company. Under his leadership, Harvard Pilgrim was turned around from the brink of bankruptcy and became one of the top healthcare providers in the country.

Political Career

Baker's political career began in the Massachusetts state government, where he served as Undersecretary of Health and Human Services under Governor William Weld in 1992 and later as Secretary of Health and Human Services from 1994 to 1998. He then served as Secretary of Administration and Finance under Weld and his successor, Paul Cellucci.

In 2010, Baker ran for governor of Massachusetts but was defeated by Democratic incumbent Deval Patrick. He ran again in 2014, this time winning the governorship by a narrow margin. As governor, Baker focused on issues such as the opioid epidemic, public transportation, and healthcare. He was known for his moderate political stance, working across the aisle with Democrats in the heavily Democratic state.

Baker was re-elected in 2018 with a substantial majority, securing 67% of the vote. Throughout his tenure, he maintained high approval ratings among Massachusetts residents.

Personal Life

Charlie Baker is married to Lauren Schadt, and they have three children together. Baker is also an avid cyclist and has participated in the Pan-Mass Challenge, a bike-a-thon that raises money for cancer research.

Legacy

Baker's tenure as governor is noted for his pragmatic approach to governance and his ability to work with a Democratic-controlled legislature. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the state's vaccination rollout, was particularly praised. However, his administration also faced criticism, notably regarding the management of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).