A South Bay government official with a background in business and technology will join Oakland as an assistant city administrator later this month.

Chuck Baker comes to Oakland from the city of Santa Clara, where he held a similar title and oversaw both the Levi’s Stadium and the Santa Clara Convention Center. According to Oakland’s announcement of his appointment by City Administrator Jestin Johnson on Wednesday, Baker helped negotiate the agreements to bring the Super Bowl and World Cup matches to Santa Clara in 2026

In Oakland, he’ll also focus on attracting business to the city, along with supporting infrastructure investment, IT modernization, and workforce development, according to the city’s announcement. 

“Chuck Baker brings deep leadership experience and a proven track record to our commitment to building an economy with room for everyone,” said Mayor Barbara Lee in the press release. “An economy where the people who keep communities running — teachers, healthcare workers, small business owners, artists, technicians — can actually afford to live and thrive here.”

Baker has an extensive background in the corporate world. Prior to joining the city of Santa Clara in 2023, he worked in leadership roles at companies including Microsoft, Wells Fargo, and Fileblaze, a cloud file-sharing business he founded, according to his LinkedIn.

He has some history in Oakland and regional issues too, having previously served as a commissioner of the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Joint Powers Authority and as board chair for 100 Black Men of the Bay Area.

Baker’s arrival follows the September departure of Assistant City Administrator Harold Duffey, who’s now the city manager of Brentwood. Another assistant city administrator, LaTonda Simmons, was fired in June after 23 years working for the city. 

The other two officials who currently hold the title in Oakland are Betsy Lake and Michelle Phillips. The role is second in command to City Administrator Jestin Johnson.

Baker’s salary will be about $321,000, a city spokesperson said.

Baker’s employment is effective as of Dec. 20.

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