Baker selected to lead state lodging association

Karen Baker has been selected as the chairperson for the Montana Lodging and Hospitality Association.

Baker is the general manager of Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish. Baker graduated from Whitefish High School and began working at Grouse in the summers while still attending college at the University of Montana.

After graduation she chose to continue at Grouse deciding on a career in hospitality. She has worked in almost every position at the lodge including busser, accountant, human resource director, front office manager, director of revenue, before being named general manager in 2011.

“This is what I like to do,” she said. “I like working with people who are on vacation — you can never go wrong with that.”

She says Whitefish is a beautiful place next to Glacier National Park and she enjoys working at Grouse.

“It’s great to be here in Whitefish,” she said. “You can ski or golf right from this great location. I like working with the staff here — they’re like family.”

Baker has two grown daughters and two grandchildren. She’s been a community volunteer including for the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce.

Baker has been on the board of Montana Lodging and Hospitality Association Board since 2013. The association is a statewide lodging trade organization whose membership primarily includes hotel and motel operators.

Baker says the association is a great resource for general managers and owners of lodging establishments in the state.

“It gives a voice to all hoteliers and allows for us to lobby together,” she said. “It’s allowed me to get to know the other general managers and owners in the state. When you get to know a lot of people then you can reach out asking how they handled a situation or who they used to fix an issue.”

Outside of work, Baker likes camping, fishing and exploring the mountains in her jeep.