I came to SADS looking for a challenging, fast-paced position that would utilize my skills in fund raising, marketing/public relations, volunteer management, program development, and financial management, as well as my medical background.  But mostly, I wanted to work for a nonprofit that I felt was really doing good work! SADS is such an organization.
 

Marcia Baker, MS Ed

Program Director

Marcia Baker joined the SADS Foundation staff team in October 2018 as Program Director, following a 30+ year career in management with two other “heart” nonprofit associations.   During her tenure with American Heart Association at the national and affiliate levels, and then Mended Hearts, she has experience in program development (for healthcare professionals and public), conference and meeting planning, research administration, volunteer management, policy interpretation and consulting. 

Marcia holds a M.S. in Health Education from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois and B.S. in Music Education from University of Missouri, Columbia.  Marcia spends her leisure time sailing and singing with her nonprofit women’s ensemble in Dallas.  She recently earned her USCG Master Captain’s license and teaches sailing on her boat at Lake Whitney, Texas.

Email Marcia

I am honored to join the team at the SADS Foundation as the Director of Development and Marketing to further the mission of saving the lives and supporting the families of children and young adults who are genetically predisposed to sudden death due to heart rhythm abnormalities. I come to this position with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from the University of Utah, a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Utah State University, and 17 years of experience in development and leadership in the non-profit community.

The loss of young adults or children touches my heart as I have experienced this type of loss personally in my family although from different medical reasons. The opportunity to increase the support of the families dealing with SADS inherited disorders and the physicians who work to treat and cure these disorders as well as the awareness of the public is a challenge I am thrilled to undertake.

I’m delighted to be joining the SADS Foundation as the Communications Coordinator, and am looking forward to connecting with the SADS community. I hold a B.A. in English from Michigan State University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Maryland. I’m excited to use my background in writing to help promote awareness of SADS conditions.

I’m originally from Okemos, Michigan. In my free time, I enjoy running, doing crossword puzzles, and spending time with my husband and my dog Bentley.