The Downtown Ithaca Alliance and the City of Ithaca have announced the recent hire of Tammy Baker as the Outreach Coordinator for the Ithaca Commons Repair and Upgrade Project. Working closely with Project Manager Mike Kuo and DIA Executive Director Gary Ferguson, Ms. Baker will be responsible for communicating with property owners, businesses and residents throughout the construction process via regular face-to-face visits as well as printed and electronic bulletins.
Baker was selected from an outstanding pool of 110 applicants. The hiring committee was impressed by her exceptional communication skills honed through twenty years as a mediator, facilitator, and training consultant in the Ithaca community. Most recently, she served as Program Director of the Community Dispute Resolution Center (CDRC), where she managed all aspects of the agency’s mediation programs, coached and managed over 40 volunteers and staff members, and served as a liaison to a number of community committees. Since 2010, she has also served as the Chair of the Fall Creek Neighborhood Association. Says Gary Ferguson of Baker’s selection, “She brings a great combination of communication and mediation skills with the experience of heading a neighborhood association. She emerged as the best choice for this position.” Added Mike Kuo, “Her local network and familiarity with a vast cross-section of the community and her status as a longtime resident of Ithaca set her apart from the competition.”
When asked about her goals for the next 18 months, Baker said her priority is to “keep the Commons merchants and tenants informed every step of the way. I am passionate about listening and explaining – listening carefully so people feel heard and understood, and explaining what is happening so neighbors, tenants and all community members feel informed.” While her extensive professional experience has prepared her well for this challenging task, Baker also acknowledges having a personal stake in the success of the Commons rebuild project. “Ithaca is my home; I have lived here for over 30 years. I would love to contribute to an even more vibrant downtown. I am really looking forward to the celebration party when the project is complete, and the Commons being a more inviting place to shop and meet friends.”
Tammy Baker’s office is on the ground floor of the Rothschild Building at 215 The Commons. She may be reached at tammy@downtownithaca.com or 607-216-8663.
