The Board of Directors of Junior Appalachian Musicians, Inc is pleased to announce the appointment of Ed Baker as President and Executive Director. Ed succeeds Helen White who held the position since JAM’s incorporation in 2008. Helen will continue to be involved with JAM and has assumed the title of Founder and Senior Advisor.

Ed retired to Ashe County, NC in 2007 when he and his wife, CarolAnn, a clinical social worker, built a home on the New River. Since moving to the mountains, Ed has been involved in several organizations in a volunteer capacity. He is currently President of the Ashe County Schools Endowment Fund Board, Treasurer of the Ashe County Free Medical Clinic, and he chairs the Ambassador Program for the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce. In addition, his Chamber activities also include membership on a committee of retired business executive who provide free consulting advice to start-up and struggling small businesses.

Prior to retirement, Ed held numerous management positions associated with the non-profit sector. These have included:

Educational Leadership
-Head of School, West Nottingham Academy, Colora, MD
-Director of Advancement and Long-Range Planning, George School, Newton, PA

Non-profit Consulting and Fundraising
-Regional Vice President for Global Impact, an alliance of 52 US based charities whose focus is international relief and development
-Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Grenzenbach Glier and Associates, Inc, a fundraising firm
-Founding Partner, The Franklin Group, providing consulting services to independent schools related to board development, strategic planning, capital fundraising and volunteer training

Corporate Management
-Executive Director, Family Central Enterprise Corporation, Jefferson, NC

Although not a musician himself, Ed is a long-time fan of old country music and has a deep appreciation for traditional mountain music and the role it plays in community building.

Ed, welcome aboard! The staff and Board of Directors at JAM, Inc are thrilled to have you step out of retirement to take the helm.