The Boston-based Barr Foundation has announced that president Jim Canales will conclude his tenure this year and move into the role of chair of the organization’s board of trustees once his successor is chosen.

Canales has served as the foundation’s president since 2014, leading the organization’s internal and external growth—staff size has grown from 19 to 48 during his tenure, and grantmaking more than doubled from $55 million to $130 million in 2024. Already a seasoned nonprofit leader, Canales helped guide the Barr Foundation through times of uncertainty, including the COVID-19 pandemic when the foundation awarded nearly $20 million in 2020 to address the crisis.

In assuming the volunteer role, Canales will succeed founding board chair and Barr Foundation co-founder Barbara W. Hostetter. During 2025, as she continues as board chair, Hostetter will lead the search for a new president.

“It has been an enormous privilege to lead the Barr Foundation during the past decade, working closely with Barbara and Amos Hostetter to ensure that Barr fulfilled the promise of their vision for Barr’s impact. I have especially valued the opportunity to learn from Barr’s many partners, whose commitment is inspiring and whose work makes a difference in our communities,” said Canales. “Being entrusted with the leadership of the board at this juncture in Barr’s evolution is an honor. I join the full board in eagerly anticipating the arrival of Barr’s next president, who will no doubt lead an outstanding team of Barr colleagues to the next level of impact and effectiveness.”

(Photo credit: Barr Foundation/Matt Kalinowski)