Our Founder’s Story

A Leader in Finance and Philanthropy

Rick Baker is a Managing Director with three Decades of experience in the banking and investment industry. He holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst, CIMA®, Certification along with the Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor, CPFA® designation. He also has a national reputation as an Accredited Sports & Entertainment Wealth Advisor, SE-AWMA™, with a vast portfolio of ultra-high net worth clients.

Recently, Rick was named to the 2023, 2024 and 2025 Forbes Best in State Top Wealth Advisors and the 2025 Forbes Best in State Top Wealth Team With clients all over the United States, his team, Rick Baker & Associates are based out of Atlanta, Georgia with additional office locations in Beverly Hills, California and Tampa, Florida.

In addition to his professional achievements, Rick is highly respected for his philanthropic efforts. He has been honored with numerous awards, including the 2023 David Brady Award the 2022 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2020 and the 2023 Bank of America/Merrill Global Diversity & Inclusion Award, and the 2018 Steward Foundation’s Dr. Joseph E. Lowery Courageous Award. Rick was the recipient of the Metropolitan College of New York’s 2014 Champion Award at the 50th Gala Awards. The Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce awarded Rick the 2019 President Award for his work within the Latino community.

Rick has also been instrumental in several important projects, including the creation of a permanent memorial honoring civil rights icon John Lewis at Atlanta’s International airport and the immortalization of civil rights pioneer and broadcaster Xernona Clayton with a statuette in downtown Atlanta. He has served on numerous boards including the Treasurer of The Rainforest Foundation, Strategic Advisor to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, founding member of Janie’s Fund, and the Atlanta Jazz Festival Board of Trustees.

He actively supports charities nationwide, including the Rick Baker College Scholarship Fund for 250 graduating high school students in his hometown of Crossville, Alabama.