David Baker takes on role of Innovation Campus director of operations and chief of staff

The Virginia Tech Innovation Campus has appointed David Baker as its first director of operations and chief of staff.

Baker joined Virginia Tech in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area in 2018 as assistant director of government and community affairs, based in Alexandria. His focus has been on supporting campus leadership through important initiatives with the City of Alexandria and key local stakeholders.

He assumed the new role with the Innovation Campus on July 25.

“David has played an essential role as part of our growing Innovation Campus leadership team,” said Lance Collins, vice president and executive director of the Innovation Campus. “His connections in Northern Virginia helped solidify our essential place in the Northern Virginia business community. David will play the key, expanded role of chief of staff as the Innovation Campus continues to expand our team, our work, and our leadership position in the region.”

During his time with the Office of Government Relations, Baker served as a primary point of contact for City of Alexandria officials and the local community, including throughout the zoning and entitlement process for the Innovation Campus. He also led the effort to have the Virginia Tech name added to the new Potomac Yard Metro Station, which is set to open this fall. In addition, Baker created the Tech on Tap lecture series to promote research at Virginia Tech and foster a culture of lifelong learning in the community. More than 1,000 community members have participated in these programs.

“David’s knowledge of Virginia Tech and local networks is a valuable combination for this role as our university presence grows and thrives in the D.C. area.” said Ken Smith, Innovation Campus chief operating officer.  “I look forward to working with him as we prepare for the official launch of the Innovation Campus in 2024.”

Baker joined Virginia Tech from George Washington University, where he had served as director of Virginia government relations since 2014. Prior to that, Baker worked in federal and state government affairs for several organizations in Northern Virginia, including the Northern Virginia Technology Council.

Baker graduated from the University of Mary Washington with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and earned his master’s degree of public policy from George Washington University.