(ANNAPOLIS, MD) -- Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) President William C. Baker has announced that he will be retiring by the end of 2021. Baker discussed his decision with CBF’s Board of Trustees, which will be forming a committee to look for his replacement. Baker, 67, began working for CBF as an intern in 1976 and has run the organization since 1981.
Will Baker issued this statement:
"I'm proud of the many things we have accomplished over the years. But there is a lot left to do in 2021 and beyond. When CBF was founded over 50 years ago, the Bay was dying. Today, a restored Bay is within sight. But we are not there yet. The recovery, while tangible, is still fragile.
"Our success is due to the dedicated work of the Board and staff, supported by hundreds-of-thousands of members.
“We stand on the precipice of saving this national treasure. We, all who are involved across the Bay’s vast watershed, are making history. Saving the Chesapeake Bay can be the greatest environmental success this country has ever seen.”
Elizabeth Oliver-Farrow, CBF Board Chair, added:
“I joined CBF's Board and became Board Chair not just because clean water is important to me, but also because Will Baker, the Board, and CBF's staff are deeply committed to the cause. As the Bay’s watchdogs, they know how to translate science into policies that achieve clean water and they have demonstrated success. Will's decades of leadership and vision have made that success possible.
"The Board is committed to a broad and thorough search for a new President. I am confident we will find a replacement who shares our passion and commitment and will guide our work in restoring this national treasure."