Jay Baker

Jay Baker

Immediate Past Board Chairman

Jay Baker is the co-founder of the national retail chain, Kohl’s Department Stores, which today is a $17 billion company.  He graduated from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 1956, and today, coming full circle, Jay serves as chairman of the Jay H. Baker Retailing Center residing at Wharton. Jay believes strongly in education, in building stronger communities, and in helping young people achieve their fullest potential. 

In addition to being a Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation Board member and former Board chairman, the Baker family is deeply involved in the Baker Senior Center Naples, Baker Naples Community Hospital, Baker Museum at Artis-Naples, Kizzie Theatre at the Naples Players, Baker Education Center at Gulfshore Playhouse and the Baker Orthopedic Center at Naples Community Hospital.

Jay and wife Patty, a Tony award-winning Broadway producer, reside in Naples, FL.