David Baker today began his role as the president and executive director of the Pro Football

Courtesy of the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Courtesy of the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame.

Baker has a 35-year background in business management, professional sports and public service, according to a statement at the Hall of Fame’s website.

For the last four years, Baker has worked as a partner in Union Village LLC, the largest healthcare project in the U.S. creating thousands of jobs in Henderson, Nevada, according to the statement. He also previously was commissioner of the Arena Football League for 12 years during which the league saw growth in attendance, television ratings, corporate sponsorships, merchandise sales, revenue and profitability.

He replaces Stephen Perry, who announced in September that he would retire. Perry took the position in 2006.

Baker is the sixth Hall of Fame director. His son, Sam Baker, is an offensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons. He arrives as Hall of Fame voters are preparing to announce finalists for the 2014 Hall of Fame induction class. It will be announced at 8 p.m. central Thursday on NFL Network.