Jon Santiago, who served as Massachusetts’ first-ever cabinet-level veterans services secretary, will resign from his position this fall, according to an announcement made by officials on Friday.
Having led a newly elevated state government office for over two years, Santiago intends to focus more on his role as a physician at Boston Medical Center.
This departure signals further turnover in Governor Maura Healey’s cabinet, which has already seen the exits of Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao in late April and Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh in July.
Both Hao and Walsh have chosen to continue their involvement with the administration as advisors.
In response to the transitions in her cabinet, Healey has appointed new secretaries to fill the vacancies.
Kiame Mahaniah assumed the role of health and human services secretary at the end of July, while venture capitalist Eric Paley is set to take over as economic development secretary in September.
Santiago contributed to Massachusetts’ veterans services as a major in the U.S. Army Reserve and previously served over two terms in the House before being appointed by Healey.
His role as veterans services secretary began in early 2023 following a reform law passed in 2022 that elevated the department to the cabinet level for the first time.
Santiago expressed confidence in the future of the department, stating, “I will leave confident that the foundation we’ve built will continue to serve veterans well for years to come.”
He highlighted the success the office experienced in restoring trust within the veteran community, noting that “Massachusetts has become a national model in how a state cares for its veterans.”
Santiago took pride in the accomplishments achieved during his tenure, which he credited to the dedicated team at the Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS), state partners, and veterans.
The official date of his departure has not been clarified in the announcement.
In the interim, Deputy Secretary Andrea Gayle-Bennett will fill the role temporarily.
Governor Healey praised Santiago’s leadership, stating, “Secretary Santiago stepped into this role at one of the most challenging moments in our state’s history for veterans services.”
She acknowledged his efforts in transforming challenges into successes, highlighting how he helped to rebuild trust and initiated transformative reforms.
Healey emphasized that Santiago’s commitment and strategic vision have made a lasting impact on the state’s approach to veterans’ needs.
Santiago’s rise in Massachusetts politics began in 2018 when he unseated longtime Rep. Byron Rushing, who was then an assistant majority leader.
Continuing his work as an emergency room physician at Boston Medical Center while serving in the House, Santiago’s dedication to public service remained evident throughout his career.
In 2021, he even ran for the position of Boston mayor but withdrew before the preliminary election took place.
The state’s emphasis on enhancing veterans services intensified following reforms enacted in 2022 by lawmakers and former Governor Charlie Baker.
These reforms were particularly focused on state-run soldiers’ homes in Holyoke and Chelsea, which faced severe challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The reform law elevated the Department of Veterans Services, prompting significant changes aimed at better serving veterans.
Since Santiago’s tenure began, Massachusetts has made substantial progress, including overhauling licensure and compliance at soldiers’ homes, improving infrastructure at facilities, and updating veterans’ benefit laws.
Moreover, the state has initiated campaigns targeting veteran homelessness, achieving the placement of over 500 veterans into permanent housing and 386 into transitional housing since July 2024, leading to considerable reductions in veteran homelessness.
image source from：nbcboston
