Lina Santiago has served as chief of staff to the city manager for the City of Coral Gables since 2023. She joined the city as senior commission liaison in 2021. As chief of staff, Santiago helps advance citywide priorities, coordinate key initiatives and support policy development and decision-making. She also works closely with city leadership, elected officials and community organizations.

Santiago brings more than 20 years of experience in strategic planning, financial oversight, operations, marketing and community relations. Prior to joining the city, she was with American Airlines, where she served as regional manager for corporate partnerships and community relations for Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean. She managed an $8 million promotional budget, negotiated major sponsorship agreements and developed partnerships with business, tourism and community organizations throughout the region.

Her community leadership experience includes service on the boards of the Greater Miami & the Beaches Hotel Association and the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce. In 2014, she was recognized by the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce with its Businesswoman of the Year Award for Outstanding Hospitality Leader.

Santiago holds a Bachelor of Arts from Florida International University with a minor in art history.