CANTON — David Baker will remain the head of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and will have oversight in the creation of Johnson Controls Hall of Fame Village.

The Hall on Monday announced a contract extension for Baker, who started as president and CEO of the nonprofit organization nearly five years ago. Under the terms of his extended five-year contract, he will retain his role with the Hall and also will serve as chairman of the Johnson Controls Hall of Fame Village board of directors.

The 65-year-old on Monday spoke to The Canton Repository from California, where he and his wife, Colleen, have several children and grandchildren.

“The reason I want to do this is because, No. 1, it’s the greatest job in the world,” Baker said. “No. 2, it’s such a privilege to represent Canton.”

Baker talked about how the values he learned in sports helped him succeed and helped him survive during difficult times in his life. He said he owes it to sports to continue to do this job.

“I think we collectively have an opportunity to do something very special in Canton,” Baker said. “I think we’ve come a long ways in five years. I wish I was much younger because I’d be there forever.”

Baker came to Canton in January 2014 after formerly serving as the commissioner of the Arena Football League and as a partner in the Union Village health care development in Henderson, Nev.

Last year, he received the prestigious March of Dimes Sports Leadership Award in recognition of the work he had done with the Canton Village. He also was commended for his efforts to increase the amount of national programming the Hall offers and to improve the nonprofit’s financial situation.

“First, we are thrilled to have David Baker continue to lead the Pro Football Hall of Fame into the future,” the Hall’s Chairman of the Board, Randy Hunt, said Monday in a statement. “His vision, determination and leadership have transformed the Hall and its brand since he arrived in Canton. In addition, having David serve as the Chairman of Johnson Controls Hall of Fame Village will hopefully ensure that this once-in-a-lifetime project will become as great as envisioned.”

Baker has made “a profound impact on raising the profile of the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” Hall of Fame running back Curtis Martin said. “His leadership has created a platform for me and other Hall of Famers to use this game as a way to inspire others. I am delighted that he will continue for the next five years to make the exciting vision of what is happening in Canton a reality.”

Moving forward, Baker will oversee the Hall and chair the board for the Village, which is a for-profit endeavor and a partnership among the Hall, Industrial Realty Group and advisory firm M. Klein and Company. Baker will act as the go-between for the board and the executive team.

The board includes representatives from M. Klein and Company, Industrial Realty Group, Johnson Controls and the Hall’s board of trustees.

The Village last week announced the hiring of former Walt Disney World executive Mike Crawford as CEO of the nearly $1 billion, 10-part development project.

Baker on Monday said he doesn’t know the timeline for new Village construction because it will be up to Crawford to phase it.

Reach Alison at 330-580-8312 or alison.matas@cantonrep.com. On Twitter: @amatasREP