Melissa Best-Baker, Zone V

Board Chair

Term Expires November 2026

Melissa Best-Baker, who represents Zone V, grew up in Round Valley and is now a resident of Big Pine. A graduate of Bishop High School, she holds an Associate's Degree in Business Administration and later earned a Bachelor's in Health Care Administration.

Mrs. Best-Baker began her career working for attorney Kenney Scruggs in 1995. Four years later, she joined Inyo County Health and Human Services (HHS), working in the local Public Health Department. After a promotion, she worked with the Public Health Deputy Director to write disaster plans and trainings. She also worked in the clinic, providing case management, assisting families in applying for health insurance, and organizing flu clinic schedules and supplies.

In 2013, Mrs. Best-Baker applied and was selected to lead the Fiscal Division of Health & Human Services. She now serves as the Deputy Director of Fiscal Oversight and Special Operations. Part of her job includes overseeing 23 budgets, consisting of grants, State and Federal funds. She is responsible for monitoring legislature changes and analyzing those effects on current programs. She also is the trusted lead for four different financial audits within Inyo County HHS. Recently, Melissa has taken on the added responsibility of oversight for HHS' newest programs, Disaster Preparedness and Housing.

She has been married to Chuck Baker since 2006, and together, they have three children: JC, Emma, and Bryson.

Among her community service, Mrs. Best-Baker served as PTO President at Round Valley School for ten years. She also volunteered many hours to Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4-H, Eastern Sierra Cancer Alliance, Little League, and high school sports. She also served as the Treasurer/President/Immediate Past President for the Inyo County Employees Association. She is currently an EMT with the Big Pine Fire Department.

Most recently, Mrs. Best-Baker took on the responsibility of serving as Inyo Site Facilitator for the local AARP Tax-Aide Group. Each year Tax-Aide help hundreds of local seniors and low-income families with their State and Federal tax returns.

To reach Mrs. Best-Baker, please visit Contact Us and use the form near the bottom of the page.