Former Abilene Zoo Director Named One of Nation's Worst Bosses
By: Austin Kellerman
Updated: December 17, 2010
eBossWatch.com ranked Baker at number 69 in its second-ever "2010 List of America's Worst Bosses."
The list was determined by a panel of six experts in workplace harassment who reviewed news reports and court documents on more than 200 bosses across the nation, according to the website.
The site says Baker made the list because a former curator at the Abilene Zoo filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against him. Diane Longenecker claims she was fired because she reported his behavior. There were also reports Baker tossed a phone at her during a fight.
Baker resigned from his position at the zoo in February.
During Baker's time at the zoo, the the Association of Zoos & Aquariums voted to table a decision on Abilene's accreditation instead of granting it. Since that time, the zoo's accreditation is back in place.
There are a total of nine bosses from Texas who made the list of America's Worst Bosses. Dallas Fire-Rescue Chief Eddie Burns landed the top spot. His department has been accused of sexual and gender harassment.
