Leadership
Melodie K. Baker, PhD, is the Founder and Executive Director of ImpactSTATS Inc. and serves as the 2027 Statewide Convening Lead for Nurture NC. She is an executive leader, researcher, and systems strategist with more than 15 years of experience advancing early childhood and education systems through research, policy, cross-sector collaboration, and strategic investment. Through ImpactSTATS, Dr. Baker works with foundations, public agencies, practitioners, and community partners to translate research and data into strategies that improve outcomes for children and families.
Dr. Baker’s career has focused on building and strengthening systems that connect policy, practice, funding, and community priorities. She previously led a cross-sector Birth–8 coalition spanning 26 school districts and served in executive leadership at Head Start, where she oversaw early childhood programming, family engagement, health services, operations, and partnerships serving hundreds of children and families.
She holds a PhD in Educational Psychology and Quantitative Methods and an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Applied Statistical Analysis from the University at Buffalo, as well as a master’s degree in Executive Leadership and Change from Daemen University. Her work has included research and publications on early childhood systems, educational equity, and the use of data to inform policy and practice.
