Wayne Baird,’89, loves to be challenged, and his career path is living proof.
He started his career as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army before being medically discharged. As a business recruiter, he helped former officers and other veterans acquire jobs.
Baird moved into pharmaceutical sales before pursuing a job in the music business in Nashville, Tennessee. It was a natural progression for the native of Jefferson, Georgia, who played the guitar, sang and wrote songs. Baird succeeded as a songwriter, music engineer and record producer.
"I met a lot of great people and made a lot of contacts," he said. "It was a tremendous time."
His ability to connect with people led Baird to his next job. He worked as a church security director after leaving the music business. In his role, he met the owner of a Chick-fil-A restaurant.
"He asked me to develop leaders in his restaurant, which would lead to opening a second Chick-fil-A," Baird said. "Now, I work for him and oversee the operations and management of two Chick-fil-A restaurants in Nashville."
Baird said it is an ideal fit for him and his family. The 56-year-old has a wife and two young children.
"I work with people who are in their 20s and who are in their 60s," he said. "Being able to see their potential and lead them is fulfilling. I am extremely fortunate to have a small part in their success."
Baird attributes his success to the lessons he learned as a UNG student and from the Corps of Cadets.
"I learned how to lead and how to follow," he said. "Wherever you are in your career, it's likely you'll be filling both roles at the same time. The challenge is understanding how both are very different, but the power of influence looks the same each way."
UNG's Alumni Association took notice of Baird's accomplishments and willingness to volunteer. He serves as the group's vice president and is one of the honorary co-chairs of UNG's sesquicentennial planning committee.
Baird explained his college roommate, Jimmy Anderson, is the current president of the alumni association. Anderson then tapped Baird to help, and he was excited to assist.
"I'm working with really bright people who have done incredible things," he said. "My contribution is to bring in people who are smarter than me and more successful. Because the more successful the board and the more talent you have, the more valuable the board becomes."
Baird, who also serves as an adviser on the board of the Mike Cottrell College of Business, said he is a leader by virtue of his title. But he sees himself as a problem-solver, decision maker, and facilitator.
"I do one thing. I help others take ownership and become stakeholders in their roles," he said. "I execute that by assisting them in solving problems, making decisions, and replicating that process."
