AgeSpan CIO
Information technology should not be a barrier, but a set of tools and systems that make it easier for AgeSpan staff to do their important work supporting the mission. That’s the philosophy that Jim Santiago is bringing to his role as the new Chief Information Officer at AgeSpan.
“Everything should revolve around our mission,” Santiago says. “When we talk about improving the business process or improving the systems, it’s all around that mission of helping people stay home and getting caregivers the information that they need. IT is just part of that puzzle to make us a productive organization.”
Santiago joined AgeSpan in April and has been using his first few weeks on the job to learn about the organization and talk with staff to get their feedback on the IT Department. He says these conversations will help inform his priorities going forward. As he gets started, one of his main areas of focus is the Help Desk.
“We’re keeping the doors open at the IT office and creating an environment that’s more welcoming for people to come in,” he says. “It’s a customer service approach and mentality.”
Another area of focus for Santiago is cybersecurity, which he says is an ongoing challenge for organizations and individuals. His goal is to educate employees and to approach the issue with empathy and understanding.
“If someone clicks on something they shouldn’t have, we should be talking with them about why they did it and trying to correct that behavior, rather than scolding them,” Santiago says.
With more than 37 years of experience working in information technology for both non-profit and for-profit companies, Santiago has always been a programmer. He discovered early on that he also had a knack for leading teams.
“For me, managing teams has been about giving people the space to grow without overwhelming them,” he says.
He says he’s an easy-going guy who wants to do the best job with the resources and funding available. Moving forward, he hopes to tackle process challenges such as eliminating redundant systems and data entry and simplifying reporting. During his time here so far, he has been impressed by AgeSpan’s staff and their passion for the mission.
“Working at AgeSpan is an opportunity to get up each morning and feel good about the work you’re doing,” he says. “It’s about making a positive impact on individuals and the community. Working in this role, I get to be a small piece of that puzzle that helps the organization to be successful and thrive.”
Jim Santiago is an IT professional with more than 37 years of experience in enterprise IT strategy, compliance, acquisitions, project management, and the development of customer-focused support services. Throughout his career, he has developed the ability to align technology with business needs to enhance company value and create competitive advantages. He has a proven track record in recruiting, developing, motivating, and retaining a diverse workforce and structuring them into teams that achieve results and savings.
Jim lives in Sterling, MA with his wife. He’s a proud father of two wonderful children and a grandfather to one granddaughter, who is a joy. In his free time, he enjoys golf, woodworking, and traveling.
