About Roberto Torres
Roberto Torres began his career in public service here in Toledo almost 30 years ago. The native son returned in July 2024, having served 6 mayors in 4 cities, most recently Detroit, where the population grew for the first time in more than 6 decades as Toledo’s decline continued.
“I knew if Toledo was to grow and prosper as other cities where I had made an impact, there would have to be a change in leadership,” Torres said. “Toledo needs a leader with levels of experience in economic and community development, housing, education and workforce development, perhaps even a Marine Veteran like me who understands the professionalism and command structure of police and fire and their specialized units and training.”
Detroit Mayor Michael Duggan hosts his annual Iftar Dinner.
In September 2018, Roberto was named the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs and Economic Inclusion, City of Detroit. Its mission is to make Detroit, MI the gateway for immigrant populations, and to be the destined Welcoming City for immigrants and refugees
As a result of its effort, the City of Detroit was recognized as a Certified Welcoming City in April 2022, one of only fourteen such cities in the country.
He currently serves as an advisor to the City of Detroit.
Roberto Torres, Executive Director, Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, 2016
Immediately prior, Torres served as the Executive Director of the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, in Grand Rapids. He transformed the social service agency into a Latino education, workforce, and community development resource leader.
As Director of Economic Development for the City of Canton, OH from 2008-2011, Torres was instrumental in leveraging billions of dollars in public and private financing to support historic preservation and redevelopment projects, construction of industrial development parks, mixed-use facility development, and the expansion of international investment. His accomplishments helped secure a second term for Canton’s mayor.
Roberto Torres, City of Canton Director of Economic Development, with Ohio Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher.
Prior to Canton, Torres was here in Toledo, and from 1996-2008 he served under mayors Jack Ford and Carty Finkbeiner. He was Acting Director of the Board of Community Relations, Director of the Toledo Youth Commission, Director of the Office of Latino Affairs., and served as Development Manager for the City of Toledo.
Roberto also held elective office himself on the Toledo Board of Education from 2006-2008. He was Board Vice President, Chair of the Finance Committee, and Chair of the Human Resources Committee during the district’s pivotal Building for Success program in which the entire district’s physical structures were altogether replaced or significantly rebuilt. As an advocate of education, Torres founded the Bilingual/Bicultural Latino charter school in Ohio, Escuela SMART.
And from 1989-2006, Roberto Torres worked at the Diocese of Toledo’s Catholic Schools and Youth Services division. He established a Bishop’s Council Minority Scholarship Program, affording Catholic education to hundreds of students throughout the 19-county diocese.
Torres (center) during Operation Desert Storm
He is a Desert Storm Veteran having served for the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate General (JAG) in the United States Marine Corps. He is a graduate of Bowling Green State University. He helped to found Toledo’s premier Latino family resource center, Adelante, Inc. becoming its first Board Chair.
Torres also served as the Executive Director of the Northwest Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
His recognitions include the Spirit of Detroit Award; PRCC Legacy Award of Grand Rapids, MI; Community Leadership Award by La Mejor GR Grand Rapids, MI; Northeast Ohio Visionary Award from the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Military Service of Distinction Award presented by Ohio Governor Ted Strickland; Northwest Ohio Latino Caucus Trailblazer Award; Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Award; Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Government Business Advocate of the Year; Diamante Award for Community Leadership; Toledo Twenty Under Forty Award; Bowling Green State University Outstanding Alumni Award, Leadership Toledo Class of 2001; and the Outstanding Alumni for Swanton High School.
