Jose Salas Cruz, Jr

Jose Salas Cruz, Jr. Budget and Management Analyst Bureau of Budget and Management Research

Jose Salas Cruz, Jr. is currently a Budget and Management Analyst with the Bureau of Budget and Management Research. As a Budget Analyst since 2017, Jose’s primary duties are focused on various Law Enforcement entities. In an era of declining revenues, Jose is instrumental in ensuring that said entities remain fiscally responsible. He makes certain that policies and mandates are followed so that these Agencies/Departments can maintain their mission within the confines of their budget allocation.

Prior to him assuming his current position, Jose was employed with the Department of Corrections. As a Corrections Officer, Jose had to constantly adapt to various high-stress situations. He utilized critical thinking skills to overcome obstacles that tested his integrity. Meeting the organization’s overall mission objectives was tantamount to being a successful DOC Officer.

During his tenure at the Department of Corrections, Jose was appointed as the Residential Substance Abuse Program Manager. He was instrumental in assisting over 100 incarcerated individuals with the successful completion of the Program. His encouragement of these individuals helped to prepare them for release and to ultimately become productive members of our Island society

Jose is product of our Island public education system. He is a proud 2007 graduate of John F. Kennedy High School. After graduating from high school, Jose went on to further his education by attending the University of Guam. In 2009, Jose received undergraduate Degrees, with honors – Magna Cum Laude, in Criminal Justice and Public Administration. He then pursued and earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration in December 2010.

Despite a hectic and accelerated level of study while at UOG, Jose remained active in serving his school and community. Jose has served as a Vice President of the University of Guam Public Administration and Legal Studies Society and as a District Representative in the 27th Guam Youth Congress. He was also a recipient of the University of Guam’s Regent Scholarship, as well as the President and Deans List. In 2009, Jose was inducted as a member into the Phi Theta Kappa, which is a prestigious international honor society. Further, he was named a 2009 Harry S. Truman Scholar. As a Truman Scholar, Jose interned with the Corporation for National and Community Service in Washington, D.C. While there he was able to engage in efforts dedicated to the betterment of the nation by assisting in the startup of then President Obama’s “United We Serve” Initiative, which promoted community volunteer participation. He successfully helped coordinate and oversee 560 volunteers for the 2009 National Volunteer Conference that serviced 4,000 conference participants.

Aside from his civilian occupation, Jose also serves our Island and Nation as a member of the United States Air Force Reserve assigned to the 624 Aerospace Medicine Flight. Jose firmly believes that the call to serve our Country and our Island is the highest form of service one can strive to achieve. While serving our Island, Jose received his Associate of Applied Science Degree in Health Service Management from the Community College of the Air Force in 2018. Jose truly believes that one’s upbringing shapes one’s values. Humility, selflessness, and perseverance are such traits Jose learned early on. These core values have formed to make Jose the person he is today. They have helped him to develop a passion for helping others and striving to make a difference in our Community.

In line with his other passions, his civic callings include being a past affiliate with the Rotaract Club of the Marianas where he served as the Treasurer. He currently serves on various committees with Coast360 Federal Credit Union.

This avid fan of the Seattle Seahawks is happily married to his beautiful wife Samantha. They have three sons, Skyler James, Mason Scott, and Emmett Cole.