The Pilchuck Glass School Board of Trustees has chosen James Baker to serve as the school's executive director and chief executive officer, effective July 15, 2010. Baker is an accomplished arts leader who brings 30 years of experience to the job. He succeeds Arthur Jacobus who resigned from the position in December 2009, and interim executive director Patricia Wallace who has been in the role since January.

"We are lucky to have found Jim," says Wallace, interim executive director and Pilchuck Trustee of 17 years. "He brings just the right combination of experience and vision to lead Pilchuck into its 40th year and beyond."

Most recently Baker served as president of Maine College of Art in Portland, Maine (2006-2010). Before that he was the executive director of Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass Village, Colorado (1995-2006). In both roles, Baker worked with board and staff to implement comprehensive strategic plans, develop strong community programs, broaden educational opportunities for faculty and students and lead significant capital and endowment campaigns. Baker served on the Alliance of Artists Communities board 1999-2005, and was the Chair of the Board 2004-2005.

"I am honored to be chosen for this position and I'm enthusiastic about my new job," says Baker. "I have been aware of Pilchuck since its founding and have followed its progress over the years. Few organizations in any field of endeavor can claim the kind of pivotal and influential role in developing a field of practice as Pilchuck can in glass.

I'll be working with the team to ensure that Pilchuck remains healthy and vital. In this economic climate, no matter how strong your mission and clear your identity, a constant focus must be on cultivating the support Pilchuck deserves. The school has a remarkable reputation to live up to; I want to make sure that it continues to be on the forefront of its field."

Baker received his undergraduate degree in Meteorology from The Pennsylvania State University in 1973. He earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in photography from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1975. He will be moving to the Seattle area with his wife and daughter, and will be on the job full time later this month.

About Pilchuck

Founded in 1971 by Dale Chihuly, Anne Gould Hauberg and John H. Hauberg (1916-2002), Pilchuck Glass School is an international center for glass art education. Located on a former tree farm in Stanwood, Washington, Pilchuck sponsors three-week workshops each summer in a broad spectrum of glass techniques as well as residencies for emerging and established artists working in all media. Pilchuck welcomes over 500 artists annually as the world's most comprehensive school for artists working in glass.

www.pilchuck.com