H2@Work Employee Spotlight: Denis Baker
Denis is the Senior Director of Global EHS at Plug. He leads a team dedicated to ensuring the company operates in an environmentally and socially responsible way. Together, they develop policies and procedures that help Plug exceed regulatory requirements and industry standards. This role aligns perfectly with his passion for environmental science and sustainability.
Finding Plug and Embracing the Mission
Denis discovered Plug when he saw an opening and was immediately drawn to the company’s innovative clean energy efforts. He applied and was thrilled to join. Plug’s rapid growth and commitment to hydrogen fuel cell technology offered him the challenge he sought. Working alongside skilled professionals dedicated to advancing sustainable solutions has been exactly what he envisioned.
A High-Stakes Safety Intervention
Early in his career, Denis faced a critical safety crisis at a large manufacturing facility. Heavy machinery had been installed without proper safety checks and posed serious risks for everyone on the production floor. Without hesitation, he called for an immediate shutdown and led a thorough inspection. The team uncovered design flaws, created a detailed mitigation plan, and safely resumed operations. That moment underscored the power of communication, vigilance, and teamwork in safeguarding lives.
Navigating Nature’s Fury
On another occasion, Denis was called to a remote worksite deep in the wilderness when a sudden storm struck. Lightning had shaken the area and left workers frightened and exposed to danger. Denis quickly organized an evacuation and guided everyone through pounding rain and fierce wind to safety. That experience reminded him that preparation and calm leadership are vital in every situation, no matter how unpredictable.
Mentoring Tomorrow’s Safety Leaders
Throughout his career, Denis has found great joy mentoring young safety professionals. One mentee transformed from a hesitant apprentice into a confident safety advocate. They tackled challenging worksites, from towering skyscrapers to underground construction, solving safety puzzles side by side. Watching that growth reinforced Denis’s belief in the profound impact one person can have by sharing knowledge and inspiring others.
Belief in Hydrogen’s Promise
Denis is excited about the potential of hydrogen and fuel cells to revolutionize global energy. He sees a bright future where clean, sustainable power replaces fossil fuels. Being part of an industry that contributes to a greener tomorrow motivates him every day. He takes pride in knowing his work helps create safer and more sustainable energy systems for generations to come.
Guiding Principles and Expertise
Denis lives by the conviction that every challenge is an opportunity for growth. He embraces resilience and adaptability and believes that true growth lies beyond one’s comfort zone. Empathy and compassion guide his interactions, and he values treating everyone with kindness and understanding.
His expertise spans multiple sectors and cultures. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology and is a Certified Safety Professional. He is also a Certified Executive and Business Coach. Denis advocates for a workplace where every employee feels supported and returns home safely each day. One of his favorite reminders is “Yesterday ended last night. What you do today determines if you go home the same way you came in.”
Cherished Moments with Family
Outside of work, Denis’s greatest joy comes from spending time with his grandchildren. Their endless creativity, such as building forts from blankets or inventing personalities for stuffed animals, rekindles his own sense of wonder. He treasures nature walks with them as they marvel at the smallest details, like a beetle’s shell or the veins in a leaf. Laughter echoes long after the ice cream runs, when a playful “I’m getting mine first” becomes a memory they’ll all cherish forever.