Colonel Karen Baker, a native of Allentown, Pennsylvania, commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps in May of 2000 upon graduation from King's College.

Her first assignment was Automotive and Armament Platoon Leader and then a Shop Officer within Charlie Company, 27th Main Support Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division. After the Captains' Career Course, she served as the Maintenance Management Officer in 501st Corps Support Group located in Uijeongbu, South Korea. Upon return to the United States, she served as the personnel officer and Adjutant for 64th BSB, 3rd BCT, 4th Infantry Division.

In support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM, she deployed twice while commanding Forward Support Company, 1-8 Infantry Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd BCT, 4th Infantry Division. Upon return from deployment, she attended and graduated from both the U.S.

Army Command and General Staff College and U.S. Army School of Advanced Military Studies located in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas After graduation and in support of OPERATION
ENDURING FREEDOM, she was assigned to 1st BCT. 10th Mountain Division and served as the Brigade S-4, the Support Operations Officer, and BSB's Executive Officer. Upon redeployment, she served as the Executive Officer to the Deputy Inspector General within the Department of the Army Inspector General.

From 2018-2020, she commanded the 498th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, Republic of Korea. Following command, she served as the Chief of Sustainment (G4) within the 2nd Infantry Division responsible for all logistics activities within the Division through coordination, integration, and synchronization of all supply, maintenance, transportation and property book activities. COL Baker's last assignment as a student was at The Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy followed by a successful command as the 4th Cavalry Multi-functional Training Brigade.

COL Baker is a graduate of Logistics Career Course, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and the U.S. Army School of Advanced Military Studies. She holds a Master of Arts in National Security Policy from St. Mary's University, a Master of Science degree from the U.S. School of Advanced Military Studies, and a Master of National Security Strategy and Resource Strategy degree from The Eisenhower School. She has a Ph.D. in Organizational Systems Management in 2014.

COL Baker's awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (two oak leaf clusters), the Meritorious Service Medal (four oak leaf cluster), the Army Commendation Medal (three oak leaf clusters), the Army Achievement Medal (three oak leaf cluster), the Valorous Unit Award, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Korea Defense Service Medal, the overseas service ribbon with numeral 4 device, the NATO Medal, the Combat Action Badge, and the Army Staff Identification Badge. She is a recipient of the Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharpe.