After serving for over two and a half years as the first cabinet-level veterans secretary in Massachusetts, Dr. Jon Santiago is stepping down from his position this fall, as reported by Mass.gov. Appointed in March 2023, Santiago played a key role in provoking a comprehensive overhaul of the state's approach to veteran services. Under his leadership, the newly formed Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) witnessed historical reforms and achieved milestones, including securing record funding and successfully pushing for legislative reforms like the HERO Act.
During his transformative tenure, Santiago was instrumental in modernizing operations and driving innovations in veteran care. The agency under his guidance managed to secure $263 million in federal funding to help construct the new state-of-the-art Holyoke Veterans' Home. Expected to open in 2026, this facility along with two other projects in Chelsea and Holyoke, marked significant strides in the state's commitment to veterans. According to Mass.gov, Chelsea and Holyoke Veterans' Homes now boast above-average satisfaction rates, with Holyoke reaching 100 percent and Chelsea achieving 98 percent satisfaction.
Santiago's departure was met with commendations from state officials, acknowledging the depth of his impact. "Secretary Santiago stepped into this role at one of the most challenging moments in our state’s history for veterans services," Governor Maura Healey said in a statement acquired by Mass.gov. "In just over two years, he turned that challenge into a success by rebuilding trust, driving transformative reforms and positioning Massachusetts as a national leader once again. His steady hand, strategic vision and deep commitment to our veterans have made a lasting impact."
The work Santiago leaves behind includes a vast array of improvements and reforms. He is credited with expanding benefits and protections for veterans, leading to the passing of the comprehensive HERO Act and initiating programs to end veteran homelessness. In one of such programs, a $20 million campaign partnered with state organizations and successfully placed over 800 veterans into housing in less than 15 months. Thus, Massachusetts is on the verge of reaching functional zero veteran homelessness, as veteran homelessness in Massachusetts fell by 27 percent over Santiago's tenure despite rising rates of homelessness across the state and nation, as detailed by Mass.gov.
EOVS will continue to build on the legacy left by Santiago, with plans to maintain the momentum through various initiatives, including the commencement of multiple veteran affordable housing projects. Deputy Secretary Andrea Gayle-Bennett will step in as interim head while the search for a full-time successor is underway. Dr. Santiago, choosing to return to his medical career, carries with him the respect and gratitude of numerous veterans' organizations, given his work to create a responsive and cutting-edge veterans service environment in Massachusetts.
