County Councilman Tom Baker hired by North Hills charity, won't seek 3rd term

Allegheny County Councilman Tom Baker has been hired as executive director for a North Hills charity and will not seek re-election to a third term.

Baker said he isn’t running because he wants to focus his full attention on his job as the new executive director for North Hills Community Outreach.

“For the last decade NHCO has played a big role in my life and I have thoroughly enjoyed and been inspired by my experiences as a board member and volunteer,” he said. “NHCO is one of the most impactful, essential and important organizations in our region. I am thrilled for this chance to help NHCO make even more of a positive difference in our region.”

Baker, of Ross, currently works as the chief community affairs coordinator for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh. He previously served as the non-profit group’s vice president of programs.

Baker’s term on county council as the District 1 representative runs through 2021. The district is comprised of 14 communities that span Pittsburgh’s northern and western suburbs, among them Ross, West View, Coraopolis, Emsworth, Moon Township and North Fayette.

Baker won his first term on council in 2013 and was reelected in 2017. He previously served on the board of the North Hills School District. The 15 members of county council serve part time.

“Tom Baker’s extensive background in the nonprofit arena, his extensive network of people on all levels, his collaboration skills and his passion for the mission of NHCO led the search committee to select Tom,” said James Giel, a member of NHCO’s board of directors.

Giel said Baker was picked after “an extensive search and review process” conducted by the Pittsburgh-based company Nonprofit Talent.

Baker, whose resume includes work with scores of nonprofit and charitable organizations, said he is anxious to take the helm at NHCO.

“Through expanding awareness of NHCO, increasing our partnerships and developing new funding streams we will be able to increase the already very impressive total of volunteers, households served and overall services provided,” he said. “This truly is a professional opportunity of a lifetime and I look forward to getting started.”

NHCO provides needy families in the North Hills with food, transportation, clothing, education and emergency financial assistance as well as employment services.

Baker is scheduled to begin Oct. 19.