Jose Santiago

Vice Chair

Jose is a Co-Founder of Latinos Unidos of York and a graduate from William Penn Senior High School. He retired after 15 years in the US Army and is a combat veteran serving in Desert Storm and Desert Shield. Jose received a Plastics Degree with a Master Molder from RJG Injection Molding School in Traverse City Michigan. After graduation, Jose returned to York City and started volunteering in the York community.

Jose has been recently promoted to Director Community Development for the YMCA of the Roses. He started at YMCA of York as the New American Welcome Center Director. He oversees operations of the YMCA of the Roses TechRev York and New American Welcome Center. Jose has a long history and commitment in York and represents the community he serves professionally and personally.

Jose’s community work is extensive. He has recently served as Commission Chair of the Housing Authority of York, still on RACY Redevelopment Authority County of York, WITF TV Advisory committee, DreamWrights Board, York County Community Foundation Racial Equity Committee, Board Chair of Latinos Unidos of York and Co-Founder and active in many other agencies that serve as a conduit for his work. He also show his support in many community committees and advisory committees throughout York and York County. Former Vice Chair of Latino Vision Association in Lancaster Pa. Vice Chair of the YORK County Youth Football Association, 2020 State Census Commissioner for York County, York City School Board Director and the list could go on.

Jose has received the Crispus Attucks Rising Stars Award 2021, Martin Luther King Image Award 2019, Downtown First Awards Most outstanding individual in York City 2019. He has been featured in YOCO Connect Magazine, YRK Magazine and La Voz Latina Central Pa for his community work. Recently Jose and his Grandmother, Paulita Rios, were highlighted for their community work by the York Sunday News in article called Deeper Roots. Jose is also working with the York History Center to document his family’s history in York City

Jose has been happily married to his wife Joyce for 20 years. He enjoys family time with his 5 children and 7 grandchildren. On his off time he loves fishing and cheering on his favorite football team the Kansas City Chiefs.