Jay grew up in Mansfield, Massachusetts, raised by his mother Janice and father Bob. His mother became the first woman to own and operate her own insurance agency when she founded the Janice Barrows Insurance Agency in 1977. She began the company out of their home on Pratt Street in Mansfield before moving to the downtown business area. In 1994, Janice passed the torch to Jay, who became President of the company and still serves in this role today. Jay has continued his mother’s legacy of leading a highly esteemed organization within his hometown of Mansfield. Barrows Insurance Agency employs a dedicated staff of 14, including his three children—Colby, Chris, and Caitlin—as well as his nephew Brent. The agency operates in two locations in Massachusetts: Mansfield and Foxborough.

Community has always been an important part of Jay’s life. He served as a Massachusetts State Representative from 2006 until his retirement in December 2024. Jay is also a past president of the Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce, a past Chairman of the Hockomock YMCA Board, and has been a member and past treasurer of the Rhode Island Yacht Club. He has served on many boards and commissions both as a business owner and as a State Representative. As he transitions into semi-retirement, Jay looks forward to focusing some time and energy on volunteering in his community.

Throughout his years of public service, Jay Barrows has worked behind the scenes to ensure that the arts remain an accessible and vibrant part of community life. From supporting cultural councils to engaging with local performance spaces like the MRPAC, Jay has helped cultivate an environment where the arts can thrive. In 2017, he was one of the founding members who led the effort to reopen the MRPAC, helping restore a vital cultural hub for the region. His commitment has strengthened our region’s creative infrastructure and expanded opportunities for artists, educators, and audiences of all ages.

We are honored to present this year’s Marilyn Rodman Legacy Award to Jay Barrows, whose dedication to community and culture embodies the very spirit of this recognition.