James W. Baker served with the Vermont State Police for over 30 years, rising to the rank of Colonel. He served as the Director from 2006-2009. 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.  

In the fall of 2009, he started a consulting business called JW Consulting. Through his consulting, he held multiple roles in Vermont and federal law enforcement agencies. Baker was appointed Chief of Police for the City of Rutland in August 2012 and received a Gubernatorial Appointment to the Vermont Criminal Justice and Substance Abuse Cabinet in October 2014. He left the position as Chief of Police in January 2015 to accept a position with the International Association of Chiefs of Police as the Director of Law Enforcement Operation and Support.