Francisco Torres

Francisco joined Barr in 2022 as a program officer for Arts & Creativity. A city planner by training, Francisco utilizes traditional planning principles and strategies to creatively impact the ways in which people interact with their communities. Before joining Barr, Francisco served as a Fellow in Fitchburg, Massachusetts for a key Barr partner, MassDevelopment’s Transformative Development Initiative which catalyzes and accelerates economic growth within focused districts in selected Gateway Cities. While in that role, he supported local artists and business owners by developing programs that fostered collaboration and engaged them in the revitalization of their downtown. Francisco brings a broad range of experiences to this role that range from community engagement to real estate development.

A former dancer and performer, Francisco is passionate about utilizing the arts as a strategy to create social, economic, environmental, and political change to build stronger, more united communities that benefit all. He has experienced first-hand, and firmly believes in an individuals’ potential to make an impact in the world.

A California native, Francisco received a bachelor’s degree in Social Ecology from the University of California, Irvine, a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Policy from Northeastern University, and a M.B.A. with a concentration in leadership at Bentley University.

Francisco lives in Waltham with his husband, Michael, and rescue dog, Tiger (a brindle Boxer mix). He enjoys baking (and eating said baked goods), and especially doing so for others.