Innovative. Detailed. Credible. Strong.
Long before his career began in earnest, Craig Baker, President, Southwest Region, locked in on winning. The retired Brigadier General lifted weights with the juggernaut U.S. Military Academy at West Point team where he was named three-time All-American.
Craig left West Point with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering and entered the military where he became a command pilot. Throughout his career, he logged more than 3,000 hours piloting F-16 and F-22 jets.
Leadership assignments sharpened his critical thinking and strategy prowess as he commanded airmen around the globe.
His military service took him to combat zones in the Middle East, Southwest Asia, Southeast Asia and stateside where he was an instructor for the U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons School (TopGun) and managed operations on Air Force bases around the country.
Craig commanded the 8th Fighter Squadron in New Mexico; the 180th Fighter Wing in Toledo, Ohio; and the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing from Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. He wrapped up his career as Vice Commander of the 12th Air Force in Tucson, Arizona.
He holds a Master of Science degree in strategic intelligence from the National Intelligence University in Washington, D.C., and another in strategic studies from the Army War College in Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania.
Craig’s innate attention to detail guided him to build and lead high-performing teams, solve problems and react quickly with decisive action.
Strength and preparation keeps the focus on winning
After West Point, Craig kept lifting weights and competitive powerlifting. He still competes today, just in an older age bracket. After 30 years, his strategy still looks a lot like the one he used in college. He prepares physically and mentally with the rush of winning always in his mind.
Coupled with his attention to detail, his commitment to winning aligns with the financial industry in which he must study the markets and understand the variables in order to act in the best interests of Riggs’ clients.
A champion of community service
At Riggs, we believe our leadership in the communities we serve means we also should give back. For Craig, service is about committing to something outside of himself. It’s a way of life that 33 years in the military taught him.
Craig currently serves the 11-campus Christ Church of the Valley congregation based outside of Phoenix, working to ensure the safety and protection of 34,000 weekly attendees. Before moving to Arizona, he was a presenter and facilitator for the American Legion Buckeye Boys State program for high school juniors and seniors in Toledo.
He also served as a Toledo Chamber of Commerce board member and as a member of the Leadership Toledo infrastructure cleanup committee.
When he’s not looking out for you and your financial interests, here’s how Craig kicks back.