Oakland has appointed Chuck Baker as its new assistant city administrator, a role focused on advancing economic development and modernizing technology infrastructure. Baker, who joins the city later this month, previously held a similar leadership position in Santa Clara, where he oversaw major venues including Levi’s Stadium and the Santa Clara Convention Center. During his tenure, he played a key role in securing agreements to host high-profile events such as the Super Bowl and FIFA World Cup matches in 2026.
In his new capacity, Baker will lead efforts to attract businesses, enhance IT systems, support workforce training programs, and promote infrastructure investment across Oakland. Mayor Barbara Lee praised his appointment, highlighting his experience and leadership as vital to building an inclusive economy where essential workers—from educators and healthcare providers to small business owners and artists—can afford to live and thrive.
Baker brings extensive private-sector expertise, having held executive roles at Microsoft and Wells Fargo, and founded Fileblaze, a cloud-based file-sharing company. His regional engagement includes prior service on the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Joint Powers Authority and leadership with 100 Black Men of the Bay Area.
His hiring follows the departure of former assistant administrator Harold Duffey, who moved to Brentwood’s city management, and the termination of LaTonda Simmons after two decades with the city. Baker will join existing deputies Betsy Lake and Michelle Phillips in supporting City Administrator Jestin Johnson.
The city confirmed that Baker’s annual compensation will be approximately $321,000, with his employment beginning December 20.
— news from The Oaklandside
— News Original —
Oakland hires new top official for economic development and technology
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.