biography   |   ventures   |   service

Jorge is the founding partner at  J. Santana Advisors, a consultancy practice with expertise in community and economic development, government systems innovation, performance management, and campaign services.  

He is also a co-founder and managing partner of better|capital Group, a financial services firm and business incubator based in SE Pennsylvania.  better|capital is currently focusing on the development of products that promise to give individuals freedom to better manage their own finances.    Jorge manages business development and capital planning for the company, while also on occasion contributing to invention and product development. 

Formerly, Jorge served as Chief of Staff to Pennsylvania State Representative Tony Payton, Jr.  In this role he served as Representative Payton’s community and economic development officer, tasked with improving the safety and economic stability of several large neighborhoods in North Philadelphia. 

He previously served as a business officer at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, most recently in the Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs office where he helped to manage the training and career pathways of over 700 biomedical research professionals.  

Jorge has held many leadership roles and has served on the boards of several important initiatives in Philadelphia.  He has served on the Board of Directors for New Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCDC), Startup Corps, and other Philadelphia based organizations.  [Read more about Jorge's service projects here.]
 

Jorge is a graduate of the Center for Progressive Leadership.  He holds a Master Degree in Government Administration from the University of Pennsylvania, with a Certificate in Economic Development.  He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bard College.