The Barr Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of Jill Valdés Horwood as director of its Boston Waterfront Initiative.
Jill joins Barr from Boston Harbor Now, where she currently serves as policy director and has held a variety of roles since 2014 (first with a predecessor organization, The Boston Harbor Association). She brings substantive policy experience and legal knowledge, strong community relationships, and a thorough understanding of the context and opportunities for the Boston waterfront in the years ahead.
Jill holds a master’s degree in maritime law from the University of Miami School of Law and a J.D. from the DePaul University College of Law. Prior to focusing on the Boston Harbor, she did legal work to support students with special education needs and victims of domestic violence, and she maintains a practice in maritime law. Jill is currently studying for a master’s degree in maritime business management at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy.
In February, Barr President Jim Canales announced Barr’s intention to expand its commitment to the waterfront initiative by hiring a full-time director and shaping the next iteration of its strategy, with attention to the priorities and opportunities that emanate from the City of Boston’s Resilient Boston Harbor vision. “Jill is well positioned to assume this new leadership role at this critical juncture,” said Jim Canales.
“She has been an active member of the Boston Waterfront Partners coalition and, throughout her time at Boston Harbor Now, has collaborated with nonprofit, government, and business partners to work toward a Boston waterfront that meets the community and economic needs of the 21st century.”
“We are proud that Jill’s experience and abilities have been recognized by this appointment at the Barr Foundation,” said Kathy Abbott, president of Boston Harbor Now. “As director of the Foundation’s Waterfront Initiative, Jill will remain an important partner to all of us working hard to transform the Boston Harbor.”
We are excited to have Jill join the team this summer. We know she will bring engaged, astute leadership to Barr’s waterfront initiative and a shared goal to realize a Boston waterfront for the enjoyment and benefit of all.
