THE INTERNATIONAL CENTER SELECTS MARTIN BAIER AS NEXT PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
INDIANAPOLIS – November 21, 2016 . . . The International Center’s Board of Directors has selected Martin Baier to replace Diane Thomas as president and chief executive officer of the organization, effective January 4, 2017. Thomas, who has led The Center for the past decade, announced plans earlier this year to leave the organization at the end of 2016 to prepare for a 27-month engagement with the Peace Corps in a role as an NGO advisor in Ukraine.
Following a nationwide search led by IC Board member Joerg Schreiber, Baier, who currently serves as The International Center’s vice president of programs and services, was selected from among a sizeable pool of applicants.
Baier joined The International Center in his current positon in 2011, after having most recently served as owner of All German Solutions LLC, a cross-cultural consulting company.
A native of Germany, Baier amassed an impressive military career with the German Air Force, ultimately achieving the rank of Lt. Colonel. During his more than 20-year career with the German Air Force, he served in several key capacities, including Deputy Flight Commander in the training center, senior planning staff officer, and executive planning staff officer.
He served as Liaison Officer to NATO forces in the International Combined Air Operations Center, as well as Liaison to the U.S. Air Force on combined projects including the Holloman AFB Training Steering Committee, serving alongside representatives from the Pentagon and Air Combat Command.
During his tenure in Indianapolis with The International Center, Baier has put his considerable project management and business development experience and acumen to use in growing The Center’s extensive offering of programs and services in the categories of Protocol, International Visitor Leadership Program (citizen diplomacy), International Relocation, and Global Competency Training.
He has proven to be a trusted advisor to numerous high profile community partners, including the Mayor’s Office, the Governor’s Office, Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Indy Chamber and the America China Society, among others. He also is immediate past chair of the Cologne Sister City Committee.
Baier earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics/Business and English at the University of Duisburg and Essen, Germany. He also achieved his Bachelor of Military Science followed by Master of Military Science.
“The International Center was blessed to have such depth of interest and professional qualifications among our pool of candidates for this position,” said IC Board Member Marsha Stone, who will assume the role of Board Chair beginning January 1, 2017.
“Diane leaves behind an incredible legacy of vision and leadership at The International Center after having served as its CEO for so many years, and we owed it to her and to The Center’s outstanding staff and Board, but most of all to the community who relies on us, to select a candidate who would continue the traditions of growth, innovation, and community partnership.
“In Martin we are confident we have the ideal candidate and we look forward to lending the Board’s full support as he steps into the CEO shoes, a fitting new chapter in a distinguished career,” concluded Stone.
