Robert Baird brings a distinctive blend of professional expertise and educational experience to his dual vocations in music and financial management. He currently serves as the Director of Music and Organist at Saint James' Episcopal Church, where he plans and leads the musical aspects of worship throughout the liturgical year. In this role, he has also spearheaded collaborative projects featuring choral and instrumental masterworks, including Dubois' The Seven Last Words of Christ, Handel's Messiah, and Fauré's Requiem in D Minor. Beyond the church walls, Robert fosters partnerships with local organizations, including the Piedmont Symphony Orchestra, where he serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors.

In addition to his musical leadership, Robert has an extensive background in financial management. His career spans roles as a Financial Manager and Analyst for government and defense contractors, Accounting Manager for a real estate developer, and managerial-level positions in non-profit accounting. This diverse experience equips him with a comprehensive understanding of both the creative and administrative dimensions of his work.

Robert is completing a graduate degree (May 2025) in Organ Performance at the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University, where he studies under Professor John Walker, an international concert organist and former President of the American Guild of Organists. He is a recipient of the Richard Ross Memorial Organ Scholarship. Robert holds undergraduate degrees in Economics and Piano Performance from Virginia Tech.

A passionate educator, Robert has served as a private music instructor for over a decade and has accompanied faculty, professionals, and students across Virginia and the East Coast. He is also an avid composer, with published works for organ, piano, voice, and various ensembles, including piano trio, string quartet, and symphonic orchestra. From 2022 to 2024, he served on the board of the Richmond Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and has been an active member of the organization since 2017.

Robert's dedication to his musical and financial professions is matched by his commitment to family and community. His four-year-old son, Maddox, is enrolled at Saint James', and Robert remains deeply grateful for the exceptional education and nurturing community his son receives. With a proven track record of building and bridging communities, Robert believes firmly in the transformative power of faith, music, and education to bring people together and create lasting positive change.