Jeff Baker is a seasoned C-level executive with a wealth of experience in a wide variety of organizations from closely-held to private equity held businesses. Throughout his remarkable career, he has consistently demonstrated a profound commitment to business excellence and an exceptional ability to foster stability within organizations, navigate complex challenges, and contribute quickly and significantly to the success of senior leadership. 

A Quick Study and Strategic Contributor 

Jeff is widely regarded as an “uncommonly quick study,” with an innate talent for quickly grasping essential business drivers and making immediate contributions to the leadership team. His unique ability to absorb and interpret complex business dynamics positions him as a strategic asset from day one, impacting both short-term and long-term organizational goals. 

Crisis Mitigation and Corporate Culture Expertise 

Jeff’s ability to quickly assimilate has enabled him quickly understand the critical importance of assessing the impact of major leadership or ownership changes on employees and corporate culture. He possesses an innate ability to identify and address potential ‘soft’ issues before they escalate into crises, adversely affecting corporate culture and performance. 

Catalyst for Positive Change 

Jeff is a proven catalyst for positive change within organizations. He excels in leveraging his excellent interpersonal relationships across all levels of an organization, building consensus, and leading cross-functional teams. His dynamic leadership style facilitates collaboration and innovation while ensuring the alignment of business operations with strategic objectives. 

Focus on Shareholder Priorities and Values 

Throughout his career, Jeff has displayed an unwavering focus on shareholder priorities and values. His involvement in corporate strategic planning, financial analysis of strategic alternatives, and the execution of strategic plans is underscored by his commitment to aligning these efforts with the best interests of stakeholders. 

Expertise in Business Transactions and Private Equity Operations 

Jeff’s extensive experience includes successful negotiations, due diligence, and consummation of acquisitions that have consistently achieved exceptional returns on investment. Jeff has been a key player in multiple acquisitions and divestitures including as CFO of a spinoff from BASF, advising a client during its spinoff from DuPont, and advising multiple clients on acclimating to life as a private equity operating company.   

Catalyst for Positive Change 

Jeff possesses exceptional insight into information technology, displaying a remarkable savvy for reviewing, selecting, purchasing, and implementing IT hardware and software. Jeff maintains a deep understanding of the latest developments in information technology, showcasing his commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements. 

A Multifaceted Career 

Jeff Baker’s multifaceted career journey includes various key roles: 

• Principal at Executive Freedom Partners – Since November 2015, Jeff has operated Executive Freedom Partners, an organization dedicated to providing executives the freedom to focus on their passions and building their businesses. Through EFP, he offers executive-level leadership and expertise in areas such as profit growth, transition readiness, financial management, risk management, and information technology.  He is particularly interested in pre- and post-acquisition planning and support. 
• Interim Executive Director at The Esquiline – In September 2019, Jeff was asked to transition from a financial advisory role to become the interim Executive Director.  Although this was Jeff’s first role in a not-for-profit management role, he successfully led the Catholic based retirement community through the departure of its long-time Executive Director, its due diligence process with a potential suitor, and the COVID-19 pandemic.  During his tenure the state compliance agency completed a review of the business with a finding of “No difficencies”.  Jeff departed this role in June of 2021 when the acquiring organization took responsibility for it operations. 
• CFO & VP of Administration at Coolfire Studios – In this role from September 2016 to January 2018, Jeff played a pivotal part in the growth and development of Coolfire Studios being responsible for Finance, IT, Compliance, and Human Resource activities.  He was also responsible for obtaining an SBA loan to perpetuate the growth of the organization. 
• CFO at PolyAd Services, LLC – In May 2014 Jeff was hired as CFO of a spinoff from BASF’s plastic additives division.  Jeff served as the CFO and CEO for a brief period as recruiting a CEO stretched past the closing date.  Jeff was responsible for initiating all Financial and Human Resource aspects of the new entity, carving out the financials, interfacing with private equity partners, Information Technology, and creating the management reporting system. 
• CFO & Sr. VP of Administration at The ROHO Group – Over 25 years of dedicated service, Jeff’s responsibilities encompassed strategic planning, financial management, risk analysis, valuations, human resources, and information technology. 
• Early Career Roles – Jeff’s career journey began at Deloitte & Touche, where he gained extensive experience in audits, taxation, and financial management for middle-market clients.  Jeff also served the homebuilder Taylor-Morley-Simon is preparing financial statements and performing job cost analysis on custom homes. 

Education and Volunteering 

Jeff is an alumnus of Southern Illinois University and holds the credentials of a Certified Global Management Accountant and Certified Public Accountant. He has been actively involved in community and professional organizations, serving as Boar Chair of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, and Good Shepherd Lutheran Day School and on the boards of the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce, Zion Lutheran Church and School, Violence Prevention Center of SW IL 

With a comprehensive skill set encompassing strategic planning, financial analysis, process improvement, and much more, Jeff Baker is a dynamic executive dedicated to driving success and positive change in the business world. His career journey reflects a commitment to both professional excellence and community engagement. 

• Executive Leadership: Jeffrey Baker is a seasoned C-level executive known for his innate ability to quickly grasp complex business dynamics and an unwavering commitment to considering the impact of leadership changes on corporate culture, mitigating potential crises. 
• Knowledge: Jeff’s extensive career demonstrates his prowess in financial management, strategic planning, risk analysis, and information technology, alongside his deep understanding of the latest technological advancements. 
• Strategic: As a catalyst for positive change, Jeff excels in building consensus, fostering innovation, and aligning business operations with strategic objectives, consistently contributing to the organizations he serves. 
• Communication: Jeff’s communication skills are evident through his leadership roles in various organizations, where he collaborates effectively across all levels, ensuring that stakeholders’ priorities and values are at the forefront of strategic planning and execution.