In a coordinated leadership transition plan, the Glendale Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors announced July 31 that Lisa Baker of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty will step away from board duties and serve as interim president and CEO of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce.
This interim appointment ensures organizational stability and continued forward momentum while Waverly Partners, a national executive search firm, actively recruits for the chamber’s next full time president and CEO.
“I am honored to serve the Glendale Chamber in this transitional role,” Baker stated in the press release. “I’m committed to working alongside our talented team and devoted oard to ensure a seamless transition and continued excellence in service to our members.”
The Glendale Independent caught up with Baker for a question and answer session:
Name: Lisa Baker
Occupation: Global Real Estate Advisor with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty and Interim President & CEO of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce
What made you choose this line of work and why is it important or interesting to you?: Real estate transactions typically occur as a result of a life change. It could be a change in employment, like a new job or retirement, or a change in household size needs, like upsizing or downsizing. I love helping people navigate through those changes and the challenges from a housing perspective. It is very rewarding to assist someone with a milestone in their life or guide them through a stressful transition or change, so they can move on to whatever is next for them. There is an absolute joy in working through that process with someone and being able to bring a successful conclusion.
What do you like most about what you do, both working as a Realtor and promoting the Glendale Chamber of Commerce? I love finding solutions and making connections, and those are both key aspects of my work in real estate and with the chamber.
When did your job bring you in contact with the chamber, and how did your work benefit from chamber membership? It was June of 2017, and it actually wasn’t through my job. I had just been appointed to serve on a committee for the city of Glendale and was waiting for the first meeting to start. I was talking to the person sitting next to me, and she suggested I look into joining the Glendale Chamber of Commerce. She offered to make an introduction and asked me for a card. I met with the chamber staff and joined immediately. I’ve been involved in the chamber ever since, and that person has also become one of my dearest friends.
Why did you decide to be a candidate for the interim CEO role at this point? As a member of the board of directors, I understood firsthand the challenges we faced in identifying a suitable interim CEO. It is a temporary position, and candidates typically seek permanent employment. Consultants we explored were often already deeply engaged in their own businesses and unable to commit the time required for an interim role. We also hoped to find someone with knowledge of the chamber, or chambers in general, to ensure continuity during this important transition. Recognizing these obstacles, I began considering an alternative approach. We have fantastic agents and support staff at our brokerage, and I explored ways to leverage those assets so I could provide the chamber with the support it needs at this critical time. This organization means a great deal to me, and I felt a strong responsibility to step forward and do whatever I could to support both the staff and our members.
What do you think will be the most challenging aspect of your job, particularly with the turnover at the Glendale Chamber’s CEO role in the past two years? The recent turnover in the CEO role has naturally raised questions about stability, and I see that as both the challenge and the opportunity of this position. The most recent CEO served for only a year, which is not long enough to create a lasting impact. Before that, our previous CEO led for more than a decade, and the stability he provided became the foundation on which the chamber still operates today. As interim CEO, the most significant challenge will be ensuring that our members, partners, and the broader community remain confident in the chamber’s direction during this transition. My focus will be on strengthening engagement, communicating transparently, and reinforcing that the chamber is not defined by one individual but by the collective strength of our team, our members, and our mission. If we can sustain that confidence and demonstrate momentum, I believe we won’t just weather this change; we’ll emerge stronger, better aligned, and ready to grow.
People who inspired me (and how)? My parents. They instilled in me a sense of responsibility to step up and be part of the solution whenever possible, and to not back away from a challenging situation. My husband inspires me every day with his enthusiasm, boundless support, and encouragement. The chamber board members who have put their trust in me and the chamber members who love the chamber and can’t wait to see what’s next for the organization and be a part of it are also an incredible source of inspiration.
What is one thing you want prospective members and new businesses in Glendale to know about the chamber? I want prospective members and new businesses to know that the Glendale Chamber of Commerce is the largest business organization in the West Valley, driven by our core principles of business connection, community impact and economic prosperity. We’re here to help you grow and to strengthen our entire community.
What is your advice to today’s youth?: There are countless ways to contribute through organizations, clubs, or your local municipality. Find your passion, get involved, and show up. You never know where an opportunity will take you!