Barr Foundation Names Lynn Harwell as Vice President for Administration

The Barr Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of Lynn Harwell as Vice President for Administration. In this new role, Lynn will join Barr Foundation President Jim Canales and Vice President for Strategy and Programs Roger Nozaki to provide strategic leadership for all of the Foundation’s work. Lynn will lead efforts to strengthen Barr’s organizational infrastructure, enhance the grants management process, develop technological systems solutions, and support talent and culture.

“Lynn brings deep administrative and operational experience to this new role at Barr," said Jim Canales. “Her engaging, collaborative style and leadership skills are well-suited for this evolving work. We are excited to welcome her to our team.”

“Lynn brings deep administrative and operational experience to this new role at Barr. Her engaging, collaborative style and leadership skills are well-suited for this evolving work. We are excited to welcome her to our team.” –Jim Canales

Lynn joins Barr from the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard where she served as Administrative Director of the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research since 2016. While there, she led the strategic execution of all administrative, financial, and operational functions along with talent management and culture-building efforts.

"I am thrilled to join the team at Barr and contribute to its commitment to advance human, natural, and creative potential for our collective future," said Lynn Harwell. "I share these core values and am motivated to strengthen the connection of Barr’s mission to our daily work harnessing the full talents and energies of the dedicated and inspiring individuals here."

Prior to joining the Broad Institute, Lynn served as Executive Director of the Harvard NeuroDiscovery Center, where she led a collaborative research group to advance neurological disease research. Lynn came to Harvard after nine years in California, serving as Deputy to the Governing Board Chair of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine and as Manager of Corporate Business Development and Strategy for Warner Bros. Entertainment. Lynn holds degrees from Harvard Law and Business Schools.

Lynn joined the Barr team on a part-time basis in May, and she will be with us (virtually) full-time in mid-June. We look forward to welcoming her in person when we are able to resume operations at the Pilot House.