Chip Baker
Chip Baker has stepped down as executive director of the Friends of the Festival, which operates the Riverbend Festival.
He did so after the festival this year altered course and operated for only four days. Operators afterward said the shortened festival with much higher admission charges was not so successful as had been hoped.
Mr. Baker said, "It has been my pleasure to serve as the CEO of Friends of the Festival and Riverbend for the past 20 years. In July, I announced to my Board my decision to move forward from my role of leading this organization, effective with the completion of my contract on October 1.
"My family and I are grateful for the friendships and a lifetime of memories the Festival has given us! I am especially appreciative of all the people I have had the opportunity to work with over these past many years including the sponsors, community leaders, my Board of Directors and the Friends of the Festival staff and volunteers.
"Riverbend began over 40 years ago as a vision, by a very small group of community leaders, to bring people together to celebrate our community. Though the festival has evolved and changed, the vision has remained the same.
"I spent the first 19 years of my career as a hospital administrator and the past 20 as an event manager. My next phase will be taking my 39 years of management experience to work with a world class management consulting company, Crestcom. I will remain with the festival as long as necessary to assure that, together, a seamless transition occurs.
"Thank you for allowing me to lead this team and this wonderful event for two decades. And most importantly, thank you Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley for making this a great place to be active in the community, have a rewarding career, and raise a family. We love this community and we will be forever grateful."