With more than a decade of experience in executive recruiting, Rod Santacruz serves as Senior Director of Executive Search at JBN & Associates. Known for his ability to build genuine relationships and understand the people behind the resumes, Rod brings both a results-driven mindset and a thoughtful, human approach to every search he leads.
For Rod, executive recruiting is never just about filling a role. He thrives on the challenge each search brings and enjoys solving the unique puzzle of connecting organizations with leaders who can make a lasting impact. What motivates him most, though, is hearing from candidates after a successful placement and knowing he played a part in changing the trajectory of someone’s career.
Having spent the majority of his recruiting career focused on executive search, joining JBN felt like a natural next step. The company’s reputation, experienced team, and shared commitment to people-first recruiting aligned closely with Rod’s own values and approach to the industry.
Rod especially enjoys the opportunity to connect with professionals from different industries and backgrounds. Learning how people have built their careers, overcome challenges, and created impact continues to inspire him and keeps every conversation meaningful.
Outside of work, Rod enjoys spending time with his family, friends, and dogs. He has a well-documented love-hate relationship with golf, a growing appreciation for pickleball, and enjoys cooking with his wife and grilling on the weekends. Giving back is also important to him, and he and his wife stay active within Arizona’s volunteer community throughout the year.
Faith and spirituality have also been a steady foundation throughout Rod’s life, helping shape both his personal values and professional outlook. His guiding philosophy is rooted in the Platinum Rule: “Treat others the way they want to be treated.” For Rod, building strong relationships starts with understanding people where they are and leading every interaction with empathy and respect.
