--- title: "Strengthening Relational Ecosystems for Youth: David Torres Named Chief Growth Officer" description: Search Institute welcomes David Torres as Chief Growth Officer. In this role, Torres will continue building on our long history as a leading research-to-practice organization, while partnering to help others put developmental science into immediate, context-responsive action. image: https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Dave-Torres-blog.png --- Theme + Migration = $1489 (Pay for the Theme Only). [Learn More.](https://www.lpd-themes.com/migration) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - [BLOG](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/) - [DONATE](https://searchinstitute.org/donate) - [CONTACT](https://searchinstitute.org/contact) - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) [RESOURCE HUB](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub) [Why Relationships Matter and How to Get Started](https://searchinstitute.org/relationships-matter-get-started) Understand the foundations of developmental relationships and the power you have to strengthen those relationships for all young people to learn and grow. 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[Resources on Key Topics](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Topics) Relationships are key across several disciplines including family systems, social and emotional development, social capital, and community development. [Resources in Your Favorite Format](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?resourceTypes=Activity,Book,Guide,Journal%20Article,Measure%20/%20Assessment%20/%20Evaluation,Relational%20Practice,Report%20/%20Brief,Tool%20/%20Playbook,Video) Explore tools, frameworks, activities, guides, measures, and other research-based resources to build strong relationships with all young people. [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - BLOG - SHOP - DONATE - CONTACT - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) - [RESOURCE HUB](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub) # Blog March 18, 2026 2 Minutes Read By : [Search Institute](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) Topics Developmental Relationships Research Developmental Assets Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Youth Programs Provide Support Family Engagement Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) SI Spotlight Social Capital Share Power Solutions Youth Thriving Education / School Expand Possibilities Student Voice Challenge Growth Summer Scholars Thriving Youth Voice Express Care Sparks Data Insights Faith Field Partner Spotlight LGBTQ+ Workshops Relationship Ready Schools Conversation Starters Sports Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) # Strengthening Relational Ecosystems for Youth: David Torres Named Chief Growth Officer [![Share on twitter](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/x-twitter-color.png?width=24&name=x-twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fbuilding-the-infrastructure-for-belonging-david-torres%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fbuilding-the-infrastructure-for-belonging-david-torres%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on linkedin](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fbuilding-the-infrastructure-for-belonging-david-torres%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on facebook](https://7528309.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528309/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fbuilding-the-infrastructure-for-belonging-david-torres%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) ![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Dave-Torres-blog.png) [Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) [Research](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/research) [Solutions](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/solutions) [Youth Thriving](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/youth-thriving) # Strengthening Relational Ecosystems for Youth: David Torres Named Chief Growth Officer By [Search Institute](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) March 18 2026 2 Minutes Read At a moment when the world feels increasingly digitized yet deeply disconnected, **Search Institute** is doubling down on the one thing technology can never replace: **human connection**. For 60 years, we have proven that relationships are the "active ingredient" in young people’s growth—fueling belonging, purpose, agency, and contribution. As we enter an era where artificial intelligence can mimic empathy, while a growing lack of real connection leaves many young people feeling isolated, it is more important than ever that Search Institute’s research and resources are actively integrated into everyday practice, relationships, and systems that support youth. The next chapter of our work is ensuring that developmental science shapes the systems, environments, and everyday practices that surround young people—essentially, their relational ecosystems. To help Search Institute meet this moment, we are excited to announce that [Dr. David Torres](https://searchinstitute.org/team-members/david-torres-ph-d) has joined our leadership team as Chief Growth Officer (CGO). ### **Building the Infrastructure for Youth Thriving** Search Institute is committed to strengthening the **relational ecosystems** across the places young people live, learn, and grow. David joins us to help create the organizational conditions and operating models that allow our decades of deep research to reach the widest possible audience. His focus is on ensuring that our developmental science becomes the "floor," not the ceiling, for positive youth development. "We are at a point where investment in tech and AI is far outpacing our investment in the human systems that young people need to thrive,” says Torres. “While this creates new opportunities in a rapidly changing world, it may be missing the human anchor required for healthy development. The science is clear: we are social beings who develop through relationships. Search Institute is uniquely positioned to be that anchor, and my focus is on building the systems that allow our decades of expertise to scale alongside technical progress." ### **From Research to Reality** David’s arrival marks a pivotal step in Search Institute’s evolution from a leading applied research organization to a field catalyst that helps systems translate science into everyday practice. Previously the founding CGO at In Tandem and CEO of ExpiWell, David holds a Ph.D. from Purdue University, where he studied the intersection of human-centered design and strategic management. He joins us to help ensure that in order for our science to be impactful, it must first be accessible. "Dave joins Search Institute at a pivotal moment,” says CEO Dr. Benjamin Houltberg. “Our new strategic direction focuses on strengthening the relational ecosystems that surround young people—aligning research, practice, and systems so every young person has the relationships and opportunities they need to thrive. Dave brings the strategic vision and operational leadership needed to move our research from insight to impact—ensuring educators, coaches, mentors, and communities can put it into practice every day toward this end.” ### **Doubling Down on the Human Signal** We recognize that technological advancement is not the enemy of progress; rather, it is a tool that requires a human anchor. In an era that prioritizes the speed of automation, Search Institute believes that scaling the power of development science, neuroscience, and relationships requires the same level of intentional investment, scientific rigor, and systemic infrastructure. Based now in the Midwest, David joins a collective effort to ensure that as our world scales technically, we also scale relationally. We continue our commitment to put our research into action, ensuring that this generation of young people experiences the deep sense of belonging necessary to thrive. Together, we are doubling down on the human signal—equipping the educators, coaches, and mentors shaping the next generation with the actionable, evidence-based tools they need to foster genuine connection at the scale this moment demands.   [Developmental Relationships, ](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) [Research, ](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/research) [Solutions, ](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/solutions) [Youth Thriving, ](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/youth-thriving) #### Search Institute Author ## Recommended For You 1 Min Read ### [What Are Student Surveys Good For?](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/student-surveys-good) [searchinstitute April 26 2016](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/searchinstitute) 1 Min Read ### [Understanding How Youth Become Good Citizens](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/understanding-youth-become-good-citizens) [searchinstitute July 07 2015](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/searchinstitute) 1 Min Read ### [New Research Report](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/new-research-report) [searchinstitute February 08 2017](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/searchinstitute) ![search-footerlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/search-footerlogo.png "search-footerlogo") ## Search Institute 2550 University Avenue West Suite 200N St. Paul, MN 55114 800.888.7828 612.376.8955 i[nfo@searchinstitute.org](mailto:info@searchinstitute.org) - [Research](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [Solutions](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [Insights](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [Funders & Partners](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [About](https://searchinstitute.org/about) - [Blog](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/) - [Donate](https://searchinstitute.org/donate) - [Contact](https://searchinstitute.org/contact) - [Subscribe to our Newsletter](https://searchinstitute.org/subscribe-to-our-enewsletter) - [Cancellations, Returns & Refunds](https://searchinstitute.org/cancellations-returns-refunds) - [Public Records](https://searchinstitute.org/nonprofit-status-public-records) - [Permissions Request Form](https://survey.search-institute.org/s3/Permissions-Request-Form) - [Keep Connected](http://keepconnected.searchinstitute.org/) ©2024 Search Institute | [Terms of Use](https://www.search-institute.org/terms-of-use/) Search Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable corporation. 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