A southern Californian by birth, Carl Baker graduated from the University of Southern California with a psychology degree, followed by post-graduate work in philosophy/theology at St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, CA. He gained a love of public service during his time in the seminary, traveling abroad to teach religion to migrant youth in Lima, Peru. But Carl chose a secular career path upon his return to the U.S.—he entered Villanova Law School, and was elected Chair of the American Bar Association/Law Student Division in his second year there.

Carl began his legal career specializing in medical malpractice and insurance defense, practiced corporate law in New York City, and eventually returned to CA to assume the role of Director of Legal Affairs at the Walt Disney Company. A management position with the Screen Actors Guild followed, until Carl became a founding partner and VP of Legal Affairs with Inferno Distribution, negotiating international distribution for motion pictures.

Most recently, Carl served as Director of Legal and Legislative Affairs for Desert AIDS Project, a non-profit, federally-qualified health center that provides medical care and support services to Coachella Valley residents.

Carl continues to give back in his Palm Springs community, Carl served on the Board of Directors for Desert AIDS Project and is a board member for Equality California and AIDS United Public Policy Council. Carl recently concluded his term as President of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Desert Chapter and an Executive Committee member for ACLU Southern California. Carl is currently a Commissioner for the Palm Springs Planning Commission.