Baker in at Chamber of Commerce

The new chief executive officer at the Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce said Monday the revolving door of the past has no place in the organization’s future.

Elisabeth Baker is the chamber’s fifth CEO in less than 6-1/2 years.

“I don’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon,” Baker said, citing close family ties in the area.

Baker is a graduate of Purcell High School and the University of Central Oklahoma where she earned a degree in photographic arts.

“Photography is a hobby-passion,” she said. “I never wanted to pursue it as a full-time career.”

Her appointment was announced Thursday by the chamber’s board of directors.

Baker served as interim CEO since June, stepping into the role after Kesha Montgomery resigned in late May.

She became Montgomery’s part-time assistant in February.

“I thought it might be fun and give me some new experiences,” she said.

Montgomery held the office just six months following the resignation of Mandy Davis.

Preceding Davis was Justina Reaves who took over after Char Page resigned in May 2013.

Baker said she is a business advocate and is looking forward to working on economic development across the chamber’s five-community area.

That area includes Wayne, Washington, Goldsby and Lexington, as well as Purcell.

Right now her focus is “just juggling events and the business side of things.”

Upcoming events on the calendar include Downtown Trick or Treat on October 29, the annual Christmas parade in December and the chamber banquet in January.

Residents and businesses will also be able to “Adopt a Lamppost” this year.

Baker is 26, single and has no children.

“All my time can be dedicated to this job,” she said. “I know what the job takes. I’ve learned a lot and can see areas where it hasn’t worked out for people.”

Wayne school superintendent Toby Ringwald has expressed a desire to bring the district’s students of the month to chamber coffees where they can mingle with business leaders.

After all, the ultimate goal is learning “how we can all help each other,” Baker said.