The South Whidbey Record has hired JoAnn Baker as its new marketing consultant.

Quick to smile and already making connections on the South End, Baker comes to The Record a veteran newspaper sales associate with a decade of experience at urban publications such as the Seattle Times and Seattle Met magazine.

“We’re thrilled to have on our sales team a consultant with so much experience,” said Keven Graves, publisher of Whidbey News Group, which includes The Record, Whidbey News-Times and Whidbey Examiner. “JoAnn is truly dedicated to helping her clients succeed and grow.”

Before getting into newspaper sales, Baker worked in the customer service and food and beverage industries, largely in management roles.

Baker, who describes herself as a true believer in newspaper advertising, said South Whidbey is home to some great businesses, such as Tom and Janice Zellars’ Thrive Vegan Cafe in Freeland. They’re all about health, but people wouldn’t know it unless they go inside. Baker said she’s eager to roll up her sleeves and help businesses like theirs succeed with tailored and effective advertising strategies.

“Instead of just buying an ad, we’ll do some marketing to tell their story,” Baker said.

Baker is currently a Coupeville resident, has one son who she says is her pride and joy — he’s a Kirkland resident who works in aerospace sales. This is her first time living on Whidbey, and she’s fallen in love with island life.

“I just love it here,” she said.