Prior to joining Umpqua, Baker served as Oregon site executive for IBM's server division (formerly Sequent Computer Systems Inc.), where she managed all human resources services and programs as well as corporate communications and community relations. She also served as vice president of human resources for the Northwest region of First Interstate Bank (now Wells Fargo), where she managed a five-state employee relations team serving more than 8,000 employees. While with First Interstate Bank, Baker was instrumental in assisting with the bank's two successful internal reorganizations and its 1996 acquisition by Wells Fargo.

In the past six years, Baker's leadership has extended Umpqua's renowned culture in a rapidly growing environment (during her tenure, Umpqua has grown from 350 to 1,750 associates). Her team of 20 has infused Umpqua's culture throughout all avenues of the bank, from training associates on culture to creating a positive and motivating work environment. Through their efforts, Umpqua's culture has become consistent and self-propelling, and is now recognized regionally and nationally.

Regionally, the bank has appeared on Oregon Business Magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For" list 12 times since 1995, including the number one rank in 2004. Today, the company holds the record for the longest winning streak of any company in Oregon. Nationally, FORTUNE magazine rated Umpqua among its "100 Best Companies to Work For" in 2009 for the third year in a row. The bank was the only Oregon company and the only community bank to make the list. Umpqua was also recognized as one of only 40 companies in the nation to make the 2008 "Companies That Care" honor roll, came in at 56 in Training magazine's "125 Best Training Departments in the US," and Baker was recognized among the nation's top human resource executives on HR Executives' "2008 HR Honor Roll."

In addition to her professional achievements, Baker serves on the board and executive committee for Portland Center Stage. She previously served on several other community boards, including the Portland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, the Portland Rose Society (where she served as president from 1995-96), the Portland Rose Festival Association, and Tri-County Affirmative Action.

Baker earned a Bachelor of Arts in business management and organizational leadership from George Fox University. She later went on to receive a certificate from the human resources graduate program at the University of Colorado in association with the American Bankers Association.