the Foundry Advisory Committee (FAC)
The Foundry Advisory Committee is a group of Cambridge residents who play an advisory role to the City of Cambridge and the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority, to ensure that the Foundry's redevelopment and ongoing operation remains consistent with the Vision and Objectives established in the Demonstration Plan.
Current members of the Foundry Advisory Committee represent a range of backgrounds, knowledge, and perspectives including about the arts, theater, science, nonprofit operation, youth education, equity and inclusion, and the experiences of seniors, immigrants and tenants. They bring skills and experiences that will support the success of the Foundry as it advances in its operating phase. The Cambridge City Manager has appointed the following members to three year terms:
CURRENT MEMBERS
Lauren O’Neal (term ends 11/8/2027)
Lauren has developed arts and cultural programs for organizations including the Massachusetts College of Art + Design, the Dance Complex, Lamont Gallery/Phillips Exeter Academy, and Young Audiences. She teaches in Boston University’s Graduate Arts Administration Program and is a visiting fellow at the Harvard Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. As an interdisciplinary artist, O’Neal has participated in exhibitions and performances at the Portland Museum of Art, Housatonic Museum of Art, and the Institute of Contemporary Art Boston, and has received project support from the Somerville Arts Council and the Vermont Studio Center. She is a doctoral candidate at the University of the Arts Helsinki. She loves living in East Cambridge.
Connie Chin (term ends 02/12/2026)
Connie is the CEO of Global Arts Live, based in Central Square, and 585 Arts, the new performing arts center scheduled to open in Kendall Square in 2026. Connie Chin is a former contemporary dancer performing among many renowned dancers across international stages. Connie brings years of experience managing arts organizations and understands the current landscape of mission-driven fundraising in the art sector. As a FAC member, she brings expertise in youth engagement in the performance arts, an understanding of communications strateg ies to create an inclusive environment, and a connection to industries in Kendall Square.
Barbara Thomas (term ends 02/12/2026)
Barbara is the owner of Artifact Soapworks, LLC, chemist, and soap-making instructor. Barbara Thomas has served the community in various advisory roles such as Cambridge Commissioner on the Status of Women, Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network member, and Cambridge Open Studios Advisory Member. Barbara has shared her artwork in various Cambridge Open Studios events as well as Cambridge Arts’ Holiday Markets . As a FAC member, she brings expertise in facility and equipment needs for community workshops, how to create a space that allows for exploration at the intersection of science, innovation, and art, and an understanding of the efforts needed to sustain the Foundry as a place of belonging for all.
Ruben Mancha (term ends 02/12/2026)
Ruben is an associate professor at Babson College, digital technology researcher, and student mentor. Ruben Mancha has focused on the digital transformations of organizations acknowledging the growing skill gap in the digital economy and the needs of the regional business ecosystem. He has created collaborative environments, designing interdisciplinary educational programs and mentoring startups. As a FAC member, he brings experience in operating inclusive spaces that offer impactful educational programs that integrate technology, art, and science to help with workforce development for the future of local industries.
Jameson Johnson (term ends 07/31/2026)
Jameson Johnson is the Marketing & Development Manager for the MIT List Visual Arts Center, and the founder and editor-in-chief for the Boston Art Review, a regional publication on contemporary art. In her roles, she has engaged with plenty of artists, writers, and community organizers and understands that aside from housing and healthcare, access to affordable cultural space is paramount to the vibrancy of our communities and the artists who live and work in Cambridge.