Information on Barr Foundation Presidential Search

In early 2025, the Barr Foundation Board of Trustees announced that Jim Canales will conclude his tenure as President by the end of 2025, when he will continue as a trustee and step into a new leadership role as Chair of the Board.

Barr’s board has retained the global executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates to partner with the Foundation on a national search for a new President. The board has constituted a Presidential Search Committee, chaired by Barbara Hostetter.

On March 21, the Search Committee released the position specification.

To learn more about the Barr Foundation, the role of president, and candidate qualifications, click the button below to view the position specification:

Barr President Specification

For any questions, feel free to email Russell Reynolds' search consultants at: BarrFoundation@russellreynolds.com.

Vice President for Strategy and Programs

To provide Barr’s next president with maximum flexibility, Barr has decided to defer the recruitment of a new Vice President for Strategy and Programs (to succeed Roger Nozaki, who will step down from that position this Spring, as we announced last Fall).

After Roger’s planned departure in May 2025, Mariella Puerto, Director of Barr’s Climate program, will assume additional responsibilities as Interim Vice President for Strategy and Programs. She and Roger are already working closely to ensure a smooth transition, and we are grateful to Mariella for her willingness to step in to this important leadership role.

Additional Resources

Read the press release announcing Barr’s leadership transition.

Read Jim’s reflections on his nearly 11-year tenure as president and trustee of the Barr Foundation.