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Berry IOP Fellow: Santiago

Spring 2026

About Jon Santiago

Physician Leader and Public Servant

Jon Santiago, MD, MPH, is an emergency medicine physician, U.S. Army Veteran, and civic leader serving as Massachusetts’ first Secretary of the Executive Office of Veterans Services. In this cabinet role, which was established through 2022 legislation, he oversees benefits, facilities, and programs for more than 270,000 veterans across the Commonwealth. His work aims to address systemic challenges, restore trust, and ensure high-quality, equitable care for veterans statewide. A mission-driven public servant, he is deeply committed to improving the social determinants of health through both his clinical practice at Boston Medical Center and evidence-based policymaking.

Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Roxbury, Santiago was shaped early on by exposure to public health challenges, including the AIDS epidemic. After attending public school in Texas and serving as a Peace Corps volunteer, he returned to Boston, where his career spanned medicine, military service, and both legislative and executive roles in state government. He has focused on advancing public health and equity at both the state and community levels. 

Prior to being appointed to Governor Maura Healey’s cabinet, Santiago was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives, representing the 9th Suffolk District, serving the South End, Roxbury, Back Bay, and Fenway. As a member of the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, he prioritized public health, housing, and the Commonwealth’s response to the opioid crisis. 

Santiago has been an influential civic voice, including his 2021 campaign for Boston Mayor. A graduate of Yale School of Medicine, he lives in Boston with his wife and their young children. 

Campus Visits

Jon Santiago will visit campus multiple times throughout the spring semester to share his knowledge, skills, and experiences with students interested in politics, public health, and public service. While on campus, he will guest lecture in classes, host meals with students, lead workshops and speaker events, and meet individually with students upon request. 

This webpage will be updated throughout the semester as new opportunities become available. To receive email notifications about upcoming programs, please contact BerryIOP@salemstate.edu.

Spring 2026 Campus Visit Dates:

• Visit 1 Wednesday, January 28
• Visit 2 Monday, February 2
• Visit 3 Tuesday, February 3
• Visit 4 Tuesday, March 3
• Visit 5 Wednesday, March 4
• Visit 6 Wednesday, April 8
• Visit 7 Thursday, April 9

Upcoming Events

Berry IOP Fellows Welcome Reception

Wednesday, January 28, 12-2:00 pm

Short speaking program begins at 1 pm

Forten 123, Harrington Campus

Join us in welcoming our spring 2026 Berry IOP Fellows to ´ºÃÎÖ±²¥. This is an opportunity for you to meet them, introduce them to SSU, and learn about the programs they will be hosting during their fellowship. Stop by for 10 minutes or join us for the entire reception. Refreshments will be provided.

Social Determinants of Healthcare Politics

Tuesday, February 2, 11 am-12 pm 

Forten 123, Harrington Campus

Hosted by Spring 2026 Fellow Santiago, this conversation will explore how social, economic, and political forces shape health outcomes and access to care across communities. He along with a panel of guest leaders will discuss how public policy, lived experience, and structural inequities intersect with the delivery of healthcare in the Commonwealth and beyond. 

This community event will provide insight into how government, clinical practice, and community leadership can collaborate to improve health equity and strengthen public health systems. 

Hosted by: Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics

Co-Sponsor: Healthcare Studies department

Course Collaboration: Dr. Everett’s BHS 201: Health Disparities in the United States in the 21st Century

One-on-One Meetings

Jon Santiago is available for 30-minute individual meetings with undergraduate and graduate students during his visits. These conversations can focus on career advice, public service, leadership, course assignments, or other topics of interest. 

To schedule a meeting, please email BerryIOP@salemstate.edu.

Learn more about the Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics at Salem State.