Page 18 - MEDWeek Program2023

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
KE Y NO TE SP EAKER

Tamara Baker, PE, SI, CGC, PhD

CEO, Baker Design Build

Tamara Baker, a born entrepreneur, embarked on her business journey at just 12 years old when
she organized a dance camp for young girls. Her career in engineering and construction began in
1992, with roles ranging from survey crew member and draftsman to truss designer, geotechnical
engineer, structural engineer, and business owner.

In 2004, at the age of 32, Tamara founded Baker Design Build, a thriving design-build consulting
firm boasting an average annual revenue of $12,000,000. Notably, the company earned a spot on
the Florida Fast 100 list and was recognized as a Grow Florida Finalist, acknowledging its innova-
tive strategies and growth potential.

Tamara holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Flor-
ida and a Doctoral Degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Ala-
bama-Huntsville.

Her engineering passion lies in restoring historic structures within commercial zones. Tamara has
received numerous accolades, including nine City of Jacksonville Historic Preservation Awards and
a 2012 ABC Merit Award. In 2011, she was a finalist for Jacksonville’s Women in Business Entre-
preneur of the Year.

Tamara is also a dedicated educator, serving as an adjunct professor at the University of North
Florida since 1998. She is actively involved in her community, participating in various organiza-
tions and clubs. Tamara is a breast cancer survivor, celebrating eight years of being cancer-free.
She and her husband, Bobby, are proud parents of three children: Brandyn Baker (29), Olivia Belle
Baker (9), and Nathaniel Banks Baker (6). Additionally, they share their home with three loveable
standard poodles: Sasha, Dunkin, and Remi.

18 2023 MEDWEEK