Jerome F. Baker has been named executive director of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society.
Baker brings more than 25 years of professional experience as an animal scientist, faculty member, and organizational leader to the job. Currently, he is chief executive officer of the Federation of Animal Science Societies (FASS) in Savoy, Ill.
"He is a distinguished research scientist whose administrative experience makes him the ideal leader for our multidisciplinary society," said Ann H. Williams, chair of the search committee and president-elect of Sigma Xi.
Baker is a former executive director and treasurer of the American Society of Animal Science and has been a faculty member at the University of Georgia, Texas A&M University and the University of Nebraska. He has also served on national and international program committees focused on animal genetics and has received more than $1.6 million in research grants over the course of his career.
"Sigma Xi is internationally recognized for the many contributions it has made toward advancing and supporting science and engineering," Baker said. "It is a special organization because of the voluntary efforts made by individual members of its more than 500 local chapters."
He begins his duties April 14 at the Society's administrative offices in Research Triangle Park.