Russell Baker (He/Him) is a dynamic and strategic leader with extensive expertise and experience in external communications, communications strategy and planning, corporate reputation management, media relations and stakeholder management.

For more than a decade, Russell has helped organizations tell their stories, reach their goals and strengthen their reputations. He’s also helped companies communicate, adapt and lead in times of significant change, including emergencies, natural disasters, large-scale power outages, protests and blockades, the global pandemic and high-profile (often controversial) issues.

As Manager, Media Relations and Issues Management at the City of Toronto – the fourth largest city in North America – Russell leads a diverse team of professionals who increase brand trust, advance the City’s reputation and develop value-based corporate narratives.

A long-time community volunteer, Russell is proud to be a Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention board member and is a member of the Program Advisory Committee (Public Relations – Corporate Communications) at Seneca College in Ontario. He previously served as Chair of the Toronto chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) and is a past member of IABC’s International Communications Committee.