Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility is pleased to announce that Josh Baker, PhD, has accepted our offer to become our Interim Executive Director. Dr. Baker brings the wonderful combination of a strong educational background and experience at the local, national, and international levels working to address nuclear and environmental issues which pose major threats to public health.
Dr. Baker earned his PhD from the University of Oregon, focusing on international security and environmental politics, while conducting extensive research on nuclear weapon related issues. He has also been involved with several of our community allies & coalition partners over the years. His involvement with Oregon PSR began in 2024 as a volunteer before serving on our Advisory Board. He later joined our staff as Communications Coordinator. Recognizing his knowledge and dedication, we offered him the position of Director of the Nuclear Free Program. Luckily, he accepted. Impressed by his work in that role this past year, and by our experience working with him, we were delighted to offer him the position of Interim Executive Director for Oregon PSR. Our luck held when he once again accepted.
Dr. Baker has demonstrated a deep commitment for his entire career to the abolition of nuclear weapons and to the protection of our environment. He has recently been selected as one of the 2026-2027 Nuclear Futures Fellows with Ploughshares and Horizon 2045. This is a highly competitive and prestigious fellowship, and we are especially proud of him.
As we welcome Dr. Baker into this expanded role, we look forward to all of the things that we will be able to accomplish. We are excited about the future and the continued impact that we can make under his capable leadership. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Josh Baker.
Sincerely,
Leslie Cagle, MD
Ava Scherlag, MS-2
Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility Co-Presidents