Dec. 10. Vernon M. Baker, a 30-year veteran of the senior living business, becomes the new president/CEO at The Pines at Davidson effective March 15, 2021. Currently, he is executive vice president/COO of Williamsburg Landing, in Williamsburg, Va.

The Pines is currently being led by interim president/CEO Heather McKee, who replaced Steve Jewell in November. McKee will continue to direct the organization until Baker’s arrival.

At Williamsburg Landing, Baker is one of three officers responsible for the overall operations and managing a $35.6 million budget, 422 employees, and care for approximately 550 residents on a 152-acre campus.

Baker is a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1987 and completed all course work for a Master of Science in Education.

Baker said safety protocols put in place to meet the challenges of the COVID-19 epidemic “reflect a deep commitment to protecting residents and staff.”