Judy Baker

Background

Judy Baker was born in Columbia, Missouri to elementary school teacher Beverly (Briggs) Wall and physician Dr. Norman Wall. Her father was a military doctor, which prompted several moves for the family during her youth.

Education

Baker graduated in 1978 from Western Branch High School in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Career

Baker is a candidate for Missouri State Treasurer in the 2016 election. She went on to obtain a B.S. in Educational Psychology from the University of Missouri in 1981, a master's degree in Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1986, and a master's degree in Health Administration from the University of Missouri in 2002. Prior to entering politics Baker worked a variety of jobs in the healthcare management field until starting her own consulting firm, Cura Advantage.

Baker has also served as an adjunct professor at Columbia College. Judy Baker was first elected to the Missouri House in November 2004, defeating Republican Robert (Bob) Northrup. She ran unopposed in 2006 to earn her second term.

While in the Missouri House she founded the bi-partisan "Healthy Missourians" caucus, a group who advocated preventative medicine and responsible approaches to Missouri healhcare. In 2008 Baker aspired to higher office, running for US Congress in Missouri's 9th Congressional District to replace Kenny Hulshof. After beating three fellow Democrats in the August primary Baker lost a close November general election to Republican and fellow State Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer.

Following the defeat Baker returned to the private sector and teaching at Columbia College until November, 2009 when she was appointed the regional HHS director by Health & Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. Baker would hold that position for just over two years until resigning in early December, 2011. Election results.

Membership

She is a former member of the Missouri House of Representatives and a former Region VII Director for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

Connections

Married John Baker; children: Lauren, David, Sarah.

Spouse:

John Baker

child:

Lauren Baker

child:

Sarah Baker

child:

David Baker