FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ORLANDO, FL, DECEMBER 9, 2016 — The Laser Institute of America (LIA), whose mission is to foster lasers, laser applications, and laser safety worldwide, announced the first recipient of the LIA Leadership Award; presented to none other than LIA’s Executive Director Peter Baker.
The award criteria focuses on an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in an organization or a company and has significantly benefited the world laser community. The recipient may have also led to major global impacts in the advancement of laser science, technology, engineering, education or applications. “It makes perfect sense that Peter should be the first recipient,” said LIA President Professor Lin Li. “He has left a footprint by providing a comprehensive package of experience, relationships and technical support that translates to long-term success.”
Baker was honored with the award in October during the 35th annual International Congress on Applications of Lasers & Electro-Optics (ICALEO®), which is known as the world’s premier gathering of scientists, engineers and technicians engaged in laser applications. The conference is steered by an international select committee of industry leaders and has grown under Bakers leadership at LIA.
“Deservedly so, Peter takes the stage again being recognized for 28 years of outstanding leadership in developing the Laser Institute of America, whose worldwide impacts continue to promote the advancement in laser sciences, technologies, applications and safe use of lasers,” Li added. “Moving forward, this award will be named after him, as the Peter Baker Leadership Award.”
Peter Baker has led LIA for the past 28 years. The organization provides global support for laser applications and safety. “Peter is known for being an exceptional guy, with a big heart for people — someone who has a great understanding of the laser business.” said LIA’s Marketing Director Jim Naugle, a longtime friend of Baker’s. His colleagues say they are very appreciative of what he has done to carry out LIA’s mission worldwide.
“I am pleased and honored to receive this award and to have it named after me in the future,” says Baker. “It means a lot to be appreciated by people I respect and admire. My thanks to President, Lin Li and all those involved.”
Baker was born in London, England. He earned an undergraduate degree in physics with special honors from London University. He worked in aerospace in the UK which provided him the opportunity to build and fly moon trackers, sun trackers and star trackers. “I was always surprised and pleased when something I designed flew successfully,” he says.
Peter’s career included extensive experience in business. After moving to the US in his 20′s, working at several companies and gaining management experience, Baker’s research garnered an invitation to LIA’s very first International Laser Materials Processing Conference to present a paper. Soon after, Baker was elected as LIA’s Treasurer and then became LIA President in 1987. Baker relocated LIA to Orlando, FL in 1989 and rest is history.
About LIA
The Laser Institute of America (LIA) is the professional society for laser applications and safety serving the industrial, educational, medical, research and government communities throughout the world since 1968. www.lia.org, 13501 Ingenuity Drive, Ste 128, Orlando, FL 32826, +1.407.380.1553.