James W. Baker served more than 30 years with the Vermont State Police, including as Director from 2006 to 2009. Among other policing leadership roles, he later served as Chief of Police for the City of Rutland, Vermont, where he led community-policing efforts that reduced crime and launched Project VISION, a nationally recognized community collaboration initiative. He served as Interim Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Corrections in 2020. Baker was also the Director of Law Enforcement Operations and Support and Director of Advocacy at the International Association of Chiefs of Police where he worked on national and international criminal justice issues to include the development of the Institute of Community Police Relations and creating the first ever national conference focused officer safety and wellness. Baker currently leads JW Consulting, providing public safety consulting, leadership coaching, executive searches, and agency operational assessments across New England. He received a B.S. in Criminal Justice Management from Southern Vermont College and is a graduate of the 188th Session of the FBI National Academy at Quantico, Virginia.