SALISBURY — Kelly Baker, a lifelong Salisbury resident and 21-year city of Salisbury employee, will take on the assistant city manager role effective Monday, June 10. She is the first woman to hold the position in the city.

In this new role, Baker will manage, monitor and track the outcomes, goals and strategic plan initiatives adopted by the city council; coordinate communication with council; manage the city’s state and federal agenda; and assist with special projects. In addition, she will supervise the human resources, downtown development, internal and external communications, and information technology departments.

“Kelly has a truly collaborative and creative spirit, focused on quality services to our customers,” City Manager Jim Greene said. “By working with all departments to promote city council’s vision, I’m confident she will help us meet our goals and objectives. Kelly will do a great job as assistant city manager.”

Baker added, “As a Salisbury native, being able to serve my hometown in this new position is something I’m profoundly grateful for. Not only is this an amazing opportunity to work more closely with our incredibly talented staff, I’m excited about further supporting the future of our community. Salisbury continues to grow and flourish, creating a strong path forward that will benefit all of our residents.”

Baker currently serves as administrative services director over legislative and government affairs, the city clerk’s and administrative office and information technology.

She joined Salisbury in 2003 as deputy city clerk/assistant to the city manager. In 2017, she was named assistant to the city manager leading special projects, and subsequently, served as city clerk for two years while also serving as administrative services director.

Baker holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Catawba College. She has completed both the Public Executive Leadership Academy and the Municipal and County Administration Program through the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Government, as well as the Leading Educating and Development Program through the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia, and the Emerging Leaders Development Program through the International City/County Manager’s Association. In addition to her many community service projects, she also serves on the Catawba College Alumni Board of Directors.