Arnold B. Baker, owner and founder of New Orleans-based Baker Ready Mix and Building Materials, has been appointed to the Port of New Orleans board of commissioners by Gov. Bobby Jindal.
Baker’s company operates three area plants, a fleet of mixer trucks and employs 40 local drivers, technicians and industry professionals.
Port President and CEO Gary LaGrange said Baker’s industry experience and leadership within the business community will serve the port well.
Baker currently serves on the boards of the New Orleans Board of Trade, New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, National Black Chamber of Commerce, Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, Kate Middleton Elementary School and the Bayou District Foundation.
He is a former board member of the New Orleans Business Council, GNO Inc., New Orleans Bureau of Governmental Research and the Louisiana Airport Commission.
Prior to founding Baker Ready Mix in 2003, Baker served as managing member of Centergy Development Group, a consultancy created to implement redevelopment strategies for distressed commercial real estate from 1999 until 2003. He also served as assistant to the mayor of New Orleans for policy, planning and development from 1996 until 1999.
Other current port board members include Chairman Scott H. Cooper, Vice Chairman William T. Bergeron, Secretary-Treasurer Michael W. Kearney, Robert “Rusty” Barkerding, Gregory R. Rusovich and Laney J. Chouest.
