Catharine Baker is the inaugural Director of the University of California Student and Policy
Center, the University’s dynamic new systemwide hub in Sacramento, where UC students,
faculty, and researchers come together with elected officials and policymakers in the Capitol.

As Director of the UC Student and Policy Center, Catharine leads University-wide public
programming and outreach in the heart of Sacramento, including high-profile speakers series, debates, and briefings that engage government officials, lawmakers, community groups, and thought leaders on timely national and state policy issues.

Director Baker is a former California State Assemblymember who represented the 16th
Assembly District from 2014 through 2018. During her tenure in the legislature, she established a strong bipartisan record while passing significant legislation focused on education, transportation, the environment, and government accountability.

Director Baker also served as a Commissioner with the California Fair Political Practices
Commission from 2021 to 2025, following her appointment by then-State Controller Betty Yee.

An attorney with a distinguished career in private practice, Director Baker serves as Special
Counsel at Hoge Fenton, advising businesses and non-profits. She is also a non-profit leader who currently serves on the boards of the Diablo Regional Arts Association, California Women Lead, the Livermore Lab Foundation, and California Forward.

Director Baker holds a J.D. from the UC Berkeley School of Law and a B.A. in political science from the University of Chicago.