![\"From](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/betzy-2_t850.jpg\" "\\"From")
<\/p>\nFollowing months of interviews, the Jacksonville Bar Association board of governors selected Betzy Santiago to be its new executive director.<\/p>\n
Santiago\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Her ability to ask tough questions, listen deeply and challenge conventional thinking has led to the creation of programs that have helped multiple organizations.<\/p>\n
She is a familiar face in Jacksonville. During former Mayor Alvin Brown\u2019s administration, she was a special assistant to the mayor.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Santiago has served on more than 40 boards and commissions and is a past president of the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
From left, Jacksonville Bar Association President Brian Coughlin, 4th Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Lance Day and JBA Executive Director Betzy Santiago.<\/p>\n
The board was not only impressed with her credentials, but also her vision for the future of the JBA.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s influence and reach.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
She will be replacing interim executive director Jon McGowan, who stepped in temporarily to allow the board time to find a permanent replacement.<\/p>\n
McGowan was originally hired to fill in through Thanksgiving, the end of 2025 at latest, but stayed on longer while the search continued.<\/p>\n
For the first two weeks of February, Santiago and McGowan will be working together to ensure a smooth transition.<\/p>\n
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