Following months of interviews, the Jacksonville Bar Association board of governors selected Betzy Santiago to be its new executive director.
Santiago’s selection came after an extensive search by the board. Under the leadership of President Brian Coughlin, the board formed a special committee that dedicated hundreds of hours to the search process.
More than 80 applicants were vetted in October and November. A handful of highly qualified candidates were brought in for final interviews in December, with Santiago being the unanimous choice of the entire board.
Santiago brings a combination of strategic vision, community credibility and executive-level discretion. She has built her career as a strategic leader by working across government, higher education, health care, nonprofits and business consulting.
Her ability to ask tough questions, listen deeply and challenge conventional thinking has led to the creation of programs that have helped multiple organizations.
She is a familiar face in Jacksonville. During former Mayor Alvin Brown’s administration, she was a special assistant to the mayor.
Later, she served as the director of international programs for Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida and a business solutions strategist for Florida State College of Jacksonville.
Santiago has served on more than 40 boards and commissions and is a past president of the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
The board was not only impressed with her credentials, but also her vision for the future of the JBA.
Her leadership skills and presence are clear to anyone who meets her. As the JBA looks to move in a new direction and modernize, Santiago is the right choice.
As executive director, Santiago aims to serve as a strategic partner, connector and visible advocate for JBA members and the legal profession across Northeast Florida.
Her work will be grounded in one core belief: when people are supported, connected and challenged to think bigger, they succeed faster and so do the institutions that serve them.
Her intent is to be the type of leader that is accessible, forward-thinking and deeply invested in creating real value. Her goal is to fortify relevant programming, reinforce strong partnerships and promote thoughtful advocacy thus strengthening the JBA’s influence and reach.
For JBA members, her leadership means clarity of vision, strength of connection and a Bar association led by someone who listens, advocates and acts with intention always focused on protecting the profession, motivating people, and building the strongest possible case for progress.
Outside of work, she is an avid international traveler drawn to warm climates, a certified diver, a lifelong photographer with millions of captured moments and is someone deeply rooted in family values.
She will be replacing interim executive director Jon McGowan, who stepped in temporarily to allow the board time to find a permanent replacement.
McGowan was originally hired to fill in through Thanksgiving, the end of 2025 at latest, but stayed on longer while the search continued.
For the first two weeks of February, Santiago and McGowan will be working together to ensure a smooth transition.