Who Is Charlie Baker?

Tomorrow is a big day in the landscape of collegiate athletes, and it isn’t because the calendar finally flips to March Madness. Rather, tomorrow is the start of Governor Charlie Bakers' tenure as NCAA president, replacing Dr. Mark Emmert, who served from October 2010 to February 2023. 

But who is Charlie Baker, and what is he known for?

Here are three major things to know about Governor Baker.  

Governor Baker is an Athlete Surrounded by Athletes. 

Baker played college basketball at Harvard, and his wife, Lauren Baker, is a former collegiate gymnast at Northwestern University. Two of their three children are former collegiate athletes. Baker’s college coach Frank McLaughlin is quoted as saying that Baker’s athletic ability wasn’t great but that “he understands sports,” McLaughlin said. “He understands how to get people together and get a consensus” (The Crimson). He added that this is one of the “best positive things the NCAA has done in a long time.”

Governor Baker Has a Successful Track Record in Health Care. 

Baker served as the CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, that “went from the verge of bankruptcy to 24 consecutive profitable quarters and a reputation as one of America's top healthcare plans” (NCAA). He also co-led the launch of Oscar Health as a member of the board. 

Governor Baker Led Two Successful Terms as Massachusetts Governor from 2015 to 2023.

Governor Baker's approval rating exceeded 75%, “making him the highest-rated governor in the United States” (NCAA). He is a moderate Republican who “has been lauded for working across the aisle with Democrats … in an increasingly polarized era” (WBUR). During his tenure, Governor Baker navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, perpetual troubles with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), and appointed 200 judges.

His work as NCAA President begins tomorrow, March 1, 2023, and he will face the formidable challenge of navigating name, image, and likeness, but with his background as an athlete and his history of working in polarizing environments, he might be the perfect person for the job.