Susan Baker to Retire After Distinguished Career Elevating Saratoga’s Hospitality Community

 

Via news release

Saratoga Springs, NY – After more than four decades of leadership in hospitality, sales, and meeting planning, Susan Baker, CMP, will retire at the end of 2026, concluding a career defined by relationship-building, strategic growth, and an unwavering commitment to community.

 

Since 2016, Baker has served as Director of Sales at the Saratoga Springs City Center, where she has led sales strategy and client development for the region’s premier conference destination. Known for her collaborative leadership style and deep industry knowledge, she has played a central role in strengthening Saratoga Springs’ reputation as a sought-after meetings and events destination.

Throughout her tenure, Baker worked closely with Discover Saratoga, area hotels, restaurants, and civic leaders to maximize economic impact for the region. Her strategic forecasting, yield management expertise, and focus on long-term client relationships have helped ensure sustained growth and repeat business for the City Center and the broader hospitality community.

“Susan’s impact on the Saratoga Springs City Center extends far beyond sales metrics,” said Ryan McMahon, President of the Saratoga Springs City Center. “She has been a trusted leader, mentor, and ambassador for our organization. Her professionalism, integrity, and dedication to both our clients and our community have elevated the City Center in countless ways. We are deeply grateful for her years of service and lasting contributions.”

Darryl Leggieri, President of Discover Saratoga, echoed that sentiment. “Susan has been an extraordinary partner to Discover Saratoga and to the entire hospitality community. Her collaborative spirit and commitment to promoting Saratoga Springs as a premier meetings destination have made a meaningful economic impact on our region. She represents the very best of our industry.”

Baker’s career spans senior leadership roles across the Capital Region, including Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Mazzone Hospitality, where she consistently led record growth and developed high-performing sales teams. Earlier roles at The Desmond Hotel and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute helped shape her foundation in event planning, client service, and operational excellence.

A Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Baker holds a master’s degree in public administration from Marist College, a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Nyack College, and an associate’s degree from SUNY Fashion Institute of Technology.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Baker has been a dedicated industry advocate, serving on the Board of Directors for the Upstate New York Chapter of Meeting Professionals International (MPI), serving on numerous committees for Empire State Society of Association Executives (ESSAE) and actively supporting many community and professional organizations throughout her career.

Reflecting on her retirement, Baker shared that the most meaningful part of her career has been “the relationships built along the way — with clients who became friends, colleagues who became trusted partners, and a community that truly understands the power of bringing people together.”

As she prepares for this next chapter, Baker is especially looking forward to spending treasured time with her granddaughter, Lily, and grandson, Liam. After decades devoted to bringing people together professionally, she is excited to embrace her most joyful role yet — Grandma — while remaining engaged in the community she has long served and cheering on the continued success of Saratoga’s hospitality industry.