Kate Baker Named Executive Director of Noblesville Main Street
Writer / Renee Larr
Photography Provided
A love story brought Kate Baker back to Noblesville in 2014 from Los Angeles, where she moved to pursue a career in the music industry. Ultimately the romance didn’t pan out, but her love of her hometown grew stronger than ever.
“I graduated from the Berklee College of Music in Boston in 2004,” Baker says. “I moved out to Los Angeles and did my internship with Tori Amos. She’s one of my all-time favorites. At that time, the music industry was turned upside down by music being downloaded illegally. After seeing that side of the business, I realized it wasn’t for me.”
Baker switched gears, spending eight years doing media relations for HBO.
“I moved back for a romance but also because my family was here,” Baker says. “I desperately wanted to see the world and experience other things, but the older you get, the more of an appreciation you have for what you already have. I grew up here, but I had never lived here as an adult. I saw coming back to Noblesville as an amazing opportunity. When I came back, I very much wanted to live on one of the historic streets of downtown.”
Baker was recently named executive director of Noblesville Main Street (NMS). She spent five and a half years at Conner Prairie, and has experience in nonprofit and corporate settings.
“As a resident of downtown Noblesville, when I heard about NMS and the work they do, I already believed in their mission,” Baker says. “I was thrilled when they asked me to join. I love bringing people downtown so they can experience the true charm and loveliness of downtown.”
The NMS mission is to enrich the culture and community of the city’s downtown historic district by creating partnerships and programs, to connect people to unique places and experiences.
“Most people are familiar with the Noblesville Farmers Market,” Baker says. “We also have events like the Block Party, Music and All That Jazz, and First Fridays. This past year we introduced Salsa on the Square. The goal is to bring people downtown to experience it in a new way.”
Inclusivity is an important goal for Baker as she advances in her new role.
“I’m filled with ideas, and I can’t wait to sit down with our board and our merchants to see what work needs to be done,” Baker says. “My big focus is creating a culture downtown that serves everybody. I have a mission to make sure it’s a place where everyone feels they belong. Growing up here, the city has such an impact on my heart, and that’s something I can bring to others.”
Baker is active in the Noblesville community in her free time. She serves as music director at Noblesville First United Methodist Church.
“I’ve been doing that for the past five years,” Baker says. “That’s where I can put my music degree to use while also serving my church community. At 14, I was asked to be a part of the adult choir, which was a huge honor. I love that it’s come full circle.”
For more information on Noblesville Main Street, visit noblesvillemainstreet.org.
