Joe Baker

Background

About Joe Baker

Joe Baker is a multi-passionate leader within Canada’s tourism, hospitality and education sectors and a vocal advocate for a resilient, inclusive, future-forward industry. In early 2024, he was appointed Dean of Okanagan College’s School of Business based in Kelowna, BC with leadership oversight of the College's tourism-based programs and planning for the emerging Centre for Food, Wine + Tourism - expected to open in the Fall of 2027. Joe was previously Dean at Centennial College’s School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts in Toronto where he led the most significant transformation in the school’s over 50-year history. He has held senior management roles at George Brown College’s Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts in Toronto and before joining higher education, Joe worked in hotels and managed restaurants. He has a Master of Education in Higher Education Leadership, a Bachelor of Commerce in Hospitality and Tourism Management and extensive executive education and certification. Joe currently serves on the board of directors at Tourism HR Canada and has previously served on the boards of Tourism Industry Association of Ontario, Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada and Ontario Tourism Education Council.