Dillard Mills Baker
About Dillard Mills Baker
Dillard Mills Baker serves as the Head of Design at Substack, where he has worked since 2022. He has extensive experience in product and user experience design, having held various roles at companies such as Facebook, Quora, and The Home Depot.
Current Role at Substack
Dillard Mills Baker serves as the Head of Design at Substack, a position he has held since 2022. In this role, he oversees a team that is responsible for product design, brand design, and user research. His leadership is focused on enhancing the design aspects of Substack's offerings, contributing to the platform's user experience and overall brand identity. Baker operates from the San Francisco Bay Area, where Substack is headquartered.
Previous Experience in Design
Before becoming Head of Design at Substack, Dillard Mills Baker worked as a Design Manager at the same company from 2020 to 2022. His career also includes significant roles at Quora as a Product Design Manager from 2016 to 2020, and at Facebook as a Product Designer from 2015 to 2016. Additionally, he held the position of Head of Product and UX Design at Giftly from 2010 to 2012, showcasing a consistent trajectory in design leadership across various tech companies.
Educational Background
Dillard Mills Baker studied at Bard College from 1998 to 2000. He later attended Louisiana State University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy and Religious Studies from 2002 to 2005. His educational background provides a foundation that complements his design expertise, contributing to his unique approach to leadership and design.
Career Progression
Baker's career spans multiple roles in design and management. He began his professional journey at The Home Depot, where he held various positions from 2005 to 2010, including Customer Service Representative and Contact Center Operations Manager. He transitioned to roles in product design at CarWoo! and Mokriya before moving to more prominent positions at Facebook and Quora. His diverse experience reflects a strong background in both design and operational management.
Leadership Style
Dillard Mills Baker describes his leadership style with humor, referring to himself as the 'Tail of Design.' This unique characterization suggests a collaborative and supportive approach to guiding his team. His leadership emphasizes creativity and innovation, aligning with the dynamic environment of design at Substack.