As Systems Leadership and Integrated Strategy Advisor, Joe Baker supports the OTEC senior leadership team in their collaborative role in tourism and hospitality workforce recovery alongside numerous industry and association partner organizations.

Previously Dean at Centennial College’s School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts, Joe led the most significant transformation in the School’s over 50 year history.  He designed programs and operations in an immersive experiential learning environment to align graduates with the skills required to serve the future workforce needs of the Canadian tourism industry.

Prior to joining Centennial College, Joe held senior management roles at George Brown College’s Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts, including Director of Operations, Services and Partnerships.  Before joining higher education, Joe worked in the restaurant industry both as an entrepreneur as well as in a management capacity at high-profile organizations including the Oliver & Bonacini group and Keg Restaurants.

With a Master of Education in Higher Education Leadership, a Bachelor of Commerce in Hospitality and Tourism Management and extensive Executive Education, Joe is uniquely positioned to serve as a modern, strategic tourism industry leader with a distinct focus on bringing education, training and workforce innovation together to build a resilient and inclusive workforce.

Joe serves on the Board of Directors for Tourism Industry Association of Ontario.  In addition to his role on the Board of TIAO, Joe also serves on the Board of Tourism HR Canada.