Bay Philharmonic Appoints Dr. Francis Rojas as New Executive Director
FREMONT, CA — February 23, 2026
The Bay Philharmonic Board of Trustees proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Francis Rojas, Ed.D., as the organization’s new Executive Director. A lifelong Union City resident, alumnus of James Logan High School, and musician, Dr. Rojas brings both deep local roots and more than two decades of executive leadership experience in education and nonprofit systems to this role.
Founded in 1964 as the Fremont Symphony Orchestra and renamed Bay Philharmonic in 2022, the organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to its mission to “Enrich the Soul. Inspire the Mind. Delight the Senses.” Bay Philharmonic performs throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and is committed to diversity, inclusion, belonging, and expanding access to symphonic music for audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
From Student Musician to Community Leader
Dr. Rojas’ connection to music began in the classrooms and band rooms of the New Haven Unified School District, including Cabello Elementary, Alvarado Middle School (now known as Itliong-Vera Cruz Middle School), and James Logan High School. As a student at James Logan, he performed as a trombonist in the school’s award-winning marching, concert, and jazz bands—experiences that shaped his lifelong appreciation for the power of music education and ensemble performance. He went on to dedicate 16 years of his professional career to James Logan High School, the Bay Area’s largest and most diverse high school, serving in multiple leadership roles including science teacher, Director of Student Activities, House Principal, and Schoolwide Vice Principal. During his tenure, he actively supported the growth and visibility of Logan’s performing and visual arts programs, strengthening systems that allowed student musicians and artists to thrive both competitively and artistically.
Also, from 1997 to 2007, Dr. Rojas served as Director of Liturgy and Music at St. Anne Catholic Church in Union CIty, where he led comprehensive music ministry programs, directed choirs and instrumental ensembles, coordinated large-scale liturgical celebrations, and cultivated intergenerational volunteer leadership within the parish community. He later served as Liturgy Coordinator at St. Joseph - Old Mission San Jose Parish in Fremont from 2007 to 2012, overseeing worship planning, sacred music programming, and collaboration with clergy, staff, and lay leaders. Dr. Rojas also served as a youth and young adult representative on the planning committee for the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland and was a member of its dedication choir. Across 15 years of parish leadership, Dr. Rojas developed deep expertise in artistic programming, volunteer management, event production, budget stewardship, and community engagement—experience that continues to inform his commitment to meaningful, accessible musical experiences that bring diverse communities together.
“Music education and performance shaped who I am,” said Dr. Rojas. “To now serve as Executive Director of Bay Philharmonic—an organization committed to access, excellence, community, and youth development—is both humbling and deeply personal.”
A Proven Executive Leader
Dr. Rojas most recently served as Founding Principal of Emerald High School in Dublin, the newest comprehensive high school built in Alameda County in over 50 years. In this role, he led the opening of a $400 million state-of-the-art campus, overseeing the development of academic systems, staffing structures, operational protocols, and school culture from inception. Beyond facilities, he designed and launched innovative academic pathways aligned to college and career readiness, secured competitive grants to expand Career Technical Education (CTE) and skilled trades programs, and built strong partnerships with business and community organizations. Under his leadership, Emerald established robust extracurricular programming—including athletics, performing arts, student leadership, and clubs—alongside nonprofit booster organizations to ensure long-term sustainability. His work reflected a comprehensive vision: building not just a campus, but a thriving, future-focused educational institution grounded in opportunity, access, and community engagement.
Prior to that he was the Principal of Milpitas High School—the largest high school in Silicon Valley—where he championed the expansion and visibility of the school’s performing arts programs, strengthening band, choir, theater, dance, and visual arts pathways as essential components of a comprehensive high school experience. Under his leadership, the district advanced a bond-funded Innovation Campus for future-ready learning as well as a Performing Arts Center and fully equipped 600-seat theater facility—set to open in Spring 2026—creating a state-of-the-art venue designed to elevate student performances, community events, and regional arts partnerships. His advocacy ensured that arts education remained central to campus culture, student engagement, and long-term institutional planning.
He earned his Doctor of Education from the U.C. Berkeley School of Education Leaders for Equity and Democracy program, where his research examined how school and organizational leaders design inclusive systems that foster belonging, engagement, and equitable access for diverse communities—principles closely aligned with Bay Philharmonic’s evolving vision. His scholarship has extended beyond his dissertation, as he has presented his research and leadership frameworks to national and international audiences at educational research and leadership conferences across the United States. Through these presentations, Dr. Rojas has shared practical strategies for building culturally responsive institutions, strengthening extracurricular, athletics, and arts-based engagement systems, and aligning governance with mission-driven impact—demonstrating his ability to translate research into action at scale.
As Executive Director, Dr. Rojas will oversee operations, philanthropy, marketing, partnerships, and strategic growth in collaboration with the Board of Trustees and artistic leadership. In accordance with Bay Philharmonic’s governance model, the Board maintains fiduciary oversight while empowering executive leadership to guide day-to-day operations and long-term strategy. The organization’s Collective Agreement emphasizes inclusivity, collaboration, accountability, and progressive innovation—values that will guide this next chapter of leadership.
Strategic Priorities for the Future
Under Dr. Rojas’ leadership, Bay Philharmonic will focus on:
Strengthening financial sustainability and philanthropic partnerships
Expanding audience engagement and community concerts
Growing the Bay Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and music education initiatives
Elevating regional visibility and brand presence
Ensuring operational excellence and strong governance practices
Past President and Board Member Lisa Lorenz shared:
“Dr. Rojas brings visionary leadership, operational expertise, and a lifelong connection to the arts in our community. His experience building inclusive systems and supporting performing arts growth makes him uniquely positioned to guide Bay Philharmonic into its next era.”
Honoring Legacy, Expanding Access
With over six decades of musical excellence, Bay Philharmonic stands at an important moment of renewal and growth. As a product of New Haven Unified schools in Union City, a former student musician who once sat in the trombone section, and community leader in the East Bay, Dr. Rojas embodies the organization’s commitment to education, community, and the transformative power of live music.
