Clara Baker helps Ashland residents stay in the know by sharing town updates, highlighting local businesses, or spreading the word about upcoming community events.

As the Town of Ashland’s Communications Coordinator, Baker helps ensure residents know what is happening around town, whether it is an upcoming event, a road closure, or, most fun, an opportunity to get involved in the community.

Originally from Millbury, Baker returned to Massachusetts in late 2025 after spending four years in Orlando, Florida. While she enjoyed her time away, she found herself missing home, her family, and everything that comes with living in New England.

After moving back, Baker began looking for a job that would let her use her communications background in a more meaningful way. When she came across the opening with the Town of Ashland, it felt like the right fit.

“I was in search of a new role and was looking for one that would allow me to do something more meaningful,” Baker said. “When I saw the open Communications Coordinator position for the Town, I knew I had to apply.”

Baker graduated from Bridgewater State University in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies, focusing on Film, Video and Media Studies. Her experience includes social media, digital storytelling, customer service, and data analysis, giving her a variety of skills to bring to the role.

And there is plenty to keep her busy.

A typical week includes putting together Ashland’s weekly newsletter, creating social media posts, updating the town website, and working with the town’s Program Coordinator on events. She also works with local businesses on Love Local Ashland campaigns, helping residents discover and support the businesses in their own backyard.

One of Baker’s favorite things about the job is that not every day is the same. More importantly, she knows the information she shares can make a real difference in someone’s day.

Whether a resident is looking for information about a town service or hoping to find something fun to do over the weekend, Baker wants to make it easy for people to stay in the loop. She works with departments across town to share information through digital platforms as well as printed materials, including Local Town Pages, the Ashland Guide, and welcome packets for new residents.

But for Baker, the best part of the job goes beyond newsletters and social media posts. It is the people.

She said she enjoys working with both town employees and residents, and she appreciates how willing Ashland community members are to get involved in causes and activities that matter to them.

“There are so many different community groups and organizations for people to get involved in something that matters to them,” she said.

One recent experience that stood out to Baker was this year’s Downtown After Dark, organized by the Downtown Business Group. She attended several of the group’s meetings leading up to the event and saw firsthand how much work went into bringing it all together.

Seeing that effort pay off when community members came out to enjoy the event and support the participating businesses and organizations was especially rewarding.

It was also a great example of something Baker hopes to encourage through her work: helping people feel more connected to the place they call home.

While keeping residents informed is a major part of the communications department’s mission, Baker said it is just as important to share the good things happening around town.

The department enjoys highlighting the local businesses, organizations, and people who make Ashland a special place to live. It also hopes to help create more opportunities for residents to connect with one another, both online and at events throughout the community.

When she is not busy helping Ashland stay informed, Baker enjoys slowing down with a little baking or spending time on creative hobbies.

After returning to Massachusetts, she has found a new opportunity to combine her professional interests with something that matters to her: being part of a community.

From sharing a town announcement to promoting a local business to helping residents find their next favorite community event, Baker is happy to help keep Ashland connected.