Christal Simanski currently serves as the Special Assistant to the Commander for Global Engagement at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command since October 2021, following their role as TACS International Engagements Manager at Pacific Air Forces. Previously, Christal worked as a Program Analyst for the United States Department of Defense and as an Analyst at the U.S. Government Accountability Office, where responsibilities included conducting performance audits of federal programs. Early career experiences included roles as an International Affairs Group Fellow at I-House, a Data Analysis Intern at Innovations for Poverty Action, and administrative support at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Christal holds a Master's degree in Pacific International Affairs from UC San Diego and has participated in Harvard Kennedy School's Senior Executive Fellows Program. Academic background also includes a degree in Political Science & Philosophy from The University of Texas at Arlington and studies in Philosophy and Legal Studies at Saint Louis University.