Dawn Baker

Dawn E. Baker, MSW, is an award-winning learning and development leader with more than 25 years in the profession. She is currently the director of Learning and Development Solutions for the City of Minneapolis. Dawn’s experience includes crafting and implementing organization learning strategy, leadership and organization development, change management, employee engagement, and succession planning.

Prior to joining the City in 2018, Dawn formed and led learning and development for Medica from 1999 to 2018. During the 90s, she founded Optum University in her role as the senior manager of training for Optum. Dawn received her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Minnesota, and is certified in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, DiSC, PROSCI, the Wilson Learning Frontline Leadership Series, the Zenger-Folkman 360°, and InsideOut Coaching.

Dawn is married and has two adult daughters. She’s a soloist with her church choir and sings as a member of the City/County Chorus. She is originally from Louisville, Kentucky.