First elected in October 2011, Baker defeated three-term incumbent Chief Chad "Corntassel" Smith.

[2] He graduated from Tahlequah High School in 1969 and from Northeastern State University in 1972 with a bachelor's degree in political science and history.

[5] While simultaneously growing his business, Baker was active in the community, having served as the president of the PTA, a coach for youth sports and a charter member of the Rotary Club.

In 1997, Baker was among the supporters of Joe Byrd, then Principal Chief, during some of the tumultuous political events of 1997,[6] when some members boycotted attendance at Council meetings.

[9] The date for absentee ballots was extended to allow for voting by Cherokee Freedmen, based on a negotiated agreement with the federal government.

[10] Baker endorsed President Barack Obama for reelection in 2012, saying that Obama “is the best president for Indian country in the history of the United States.” [11][12] After taking office, Baker quickly sold the Cherokee Nation’s private plane and invested the proceeds into contract health care for Cherokee citizens.

New facilities and expanded services will reduce wait times and improve the quality of accessible health care for tribal citizens.

A research study by an Oklahoma City University economist shows the tribe’s activities directly and indirectly support more than 14,000 jobs and provide more than $559 million in income payments.

In 2020, just five years from now, we can reassess the number of Cherokee speakers on behalf of the youth council and see if their targeted outreach was effective.

These youth ambassadors have met with Cherokee Nation department leaders and other stakeholders to implement and promote their five-year plan.