Introduction of New member Lonnie Baker

Lonnie Baker grew up spending time in the outdoors with his family in north central Kansas. After years of enjoying hunting, fishing and camping he now looks for opportunities to get his children outdoors and enjoying nature. He met his wife, Karen, in 1989. It took eight years to convince her, but she finally broke down and married Lonnie in 1997. Lonnie and Karen have a son and two daughters: Colton, Payton and Kiersten. The Baker kids are involved in the Manhattan Track Club, First Tee of Manhattan, Bates Dance Studio and 4-H.

Lonnie graduated from Cleveland Chiropractic College with a Doctor of Chiropractic and a bachelor of science in human biology. Following graduation, he and Karen lived in northeast Ohio where he owned a chiropractic clinic. In 2008, Lonnie transitioned into the world of senior services and the Bakers moved back to Kansas. He worked in Garden City at Garden Valley Retirement Village as the administrator. Lonnie is committed to improving senior services.  He is a member of both state and national associations such as, Leading Age, Kansas Adult Care Executives (KACE) and the American Health Care Association. In the 2013 spring semester, Lonnie served as program director for his first K-State student in the Kansas Administrator in Training program.

Lonnie moved to Manhattan in 2011 and joined the Meadowlark Hills team as the Chief Operations Officer. In April 2013, Lonnie accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer. Meadowlark Hills has been a pioneer in the development of resident-directed services and the household model. During the next step of this journey, Lonnie will lead Meadowlark Hills in transforming from a process-focused organization to an outcomes-focused environment.  Meadowlark Hills is uniquely positioned to work with local organizations to further advance person-directed care and to meet the changing expectations of future generations of elders. Lonnie will work with the Chamber to promote Manhattan and the many opportunities the community offers to families, professionals, Fort Riley residents, students, visitors and retirees. Lonnie is excited to be in Manhattan with his family.