Dr. Jim Torino co-founded The Friend Foundation in 2016 and serves as its Chief Executive Officer. With an entrepreneurial spirit, he is an accomplished operations executive with a robust background in starting, developing, and leading high-growth organizations. In addition to other initiatives, he has spent over a decade in leading healthcare operations for companies in the wellness and disease management space. With a Ph.D. in Social Psychology and dual Master’s degrees in Business Administration and Information Systems Management, Dr. Torino is well-versed in behavioral economics, behavioral health, and technology, blending these unique skills with his extensive business knowledge to drive operational success. Today, he is dedicated to giving back to his community and helping people one human at a time.
Bethany Torino co-founded The Friend Foundation in 2016 with Dr. Torino and serves as its Executive Vice President. Bethany is a gifted creative with a record of successfully launching and managing recognizable regional brands and businesses, such as The Cocoa Tree, a brand she cultivated and led for nearly two decades. Bethany holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and is on her way to earning a Master’s in Biblical Studies. She is known for her effective multi-media communication skills, where she has successfully developed, launched, and managed numerous marketing campaigns across traditional and digital platforms. In her management roles, Bethany has exhibited exceptional leadership skills. She managed daily operations of retail businesses, handled recruiting, hiring, and training of employees, and nurtured productive relationships with vendors. Today she is dedicated to helping others, meeting people where they are and mentoring them to a better life.
