Introduction

MeeCee Baker's name is synonymous with agricultural and rural issues in Pennsylvania. MeeCee's commitment, experience and knowledge coupled with her networking skills, make her a uniquely efficient and effective advocate.

Achievements

Dr. Baker was named an Alumni Fellow at the Penn State University and delivered the commencement address at the College of Agricultural Sciences spring graduation. She also received the prestigious Medal of Honor Award from the Philadelphia Society for the Promotion of Agriculture (PSPA), the oldest (1785) continuously operating agricultural society in the country. PSPA was involved in establishing the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. In addition, Baker was honored with the esteemed Jefferson Award by the Penn Ag Democrats.

Clients

1) Altria Client Services LLC and its Affiliates

2) Charles Jacquin Et Cie., Inc.

3) CNH Industrial America LLC

4) Coral Reef EV LLC

5) Coral Reef Partners

6) CRLPA, LLC.

7) Dark Moon Entertainment

8) EEG, Inc.

9) Horizon Farm Credit

10) Juniata County Agricultural Society

11) McElhaney Family Farms

12) Pavement Coatings Technology Council

13) Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Landowners Alliance

14) Pennsylvania Pest Management Association

15) Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association

16) Pennsylvania Pork Producers' Strategic Investment Program

17) Philadelphia Association of Retail Druggists

18) Philadelphia School District

19) Reinford Farms

20) River Valley School District

21) Ryeco, LLC

22) Schrack Farms

23) Star Rock Farms

24) Stonehenge Capital Company, LLC

25) Table Trust Brands

26) US Biologic, Inc.

27) USA Gypsum

28) Value Drug Company

29) Wine & Spirits Brokers of PA

30) Wine Institute

Number of Years as a Lobbyist

11-15 years

Relationships

Baker was appointed during the Rendell administration to work in the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture . While there, she directed the educational outreach for the Department.

Biography

Dr. Baker owns Versant Strategies, a premier governmental affairs firm focused on agricultural, education, environmental, and rural issues. Versant has represented dozens of clients in the Harrisburg and DC marketplace ranging from small farms and businesses to Fortune 500 companies.

Previously, Baker served in the executive office of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. While there, she directed the educational outreach for the Department using the knowledge, skills, and traits she perfected during her 20 years behind a teacher’s desk at secondary and post-secondary institutions. Baker served as a faculty member at Penn State, an adjunct professor at North Carolina State University, and was the first woman elected as president of the National Association of Agricultural Educators. She is known across the nation as a published author and columnist with frequent engagements as a motivational keynote speaker and workshop presenter.

MeeCee, husband Jim Garofalo, a retired PA State Police Major who now works with USDA Investigation and Enforcement, and daughter Libby, a former state FFA president (Future Farmers' of America) and current Penn State student, live on the Baker homestead farm in Juniata County.

Last Updated: March 26, 2024