June 8, 2021

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Jamie Baker, human resource director for Marsh & McLennan Agency.

Name: Jamie Baker

Age: 35

Hometown: Mitchell

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

College — I started at SDSU in Brookings and moved to Sioux Falls to attend USDSU.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

Growing up in Mitchell, Sioux Falls was always the “big city” that I thought I would end up in. My husband grew up in Sioux Falls, and we have never considered living anywhere else. I think this is a perfect place that still has the small-town feel to raise our family but has most of the big-city things.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

I have a passion for people and helping them in whatever facet I can. People spend the majority of their day at work, so I enjoy being able to be that go-to person with any needs that can come up. I enjoy getting to hear everyone’s stories, what makes them tick and to build relationships with them. MMA has given me the opportunity to really be here for the people and support them in any way I can.

How did you get connected to your industry?

I started off as a nursing major; it was what I always wanted to do growing up. I attended my first clinical and soon realized that I couldn’t do blood and knew I needed to make a change in my major. I met with my manager where I was working in college, and he suggested I look into human resources. It was something I had never thought of, but it fit my call to help people and not have to deal with blood!

Describe Marsh & McLennan Agency in three words.

Collaborative. Innovative. Community.

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

Having two kids, I enjoy volunteering with their various activities in and out of school. I also recently signed up to get started with Dress for Success. I am excited to mentor women to achieve economic independence, helping them thrive in work and in life. I also love to shop local and try all the great local restaurants Sioux Falls has to offer!

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

Trader Joe’s.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In the next five years, I hope to continue what I am doing today with MMA as well as to continue to learn and grow in my HR knowledge. I also want to become more involved in community organizations by not just volunteering but also by serving on committees and boards.