Claudio Santo (Vinny)

Claudio "Vinny" Santo is an experienced program manager currently serving at United States Southern Command since March 2021, focusing on regional security assistance in Central America. Prior to this role, Santo accumulated extensive experience in the United States Air Force from May 2008 to March 2021, where responsibilities included positions such as Deputy Branch Chief for the KC-46 Tanker and Branch Chief for Security Cooperation Programs in Central America and the Caribbean. Santo also held various program management roles covering systems like the B-1B Bomber and C-130 Gunship Datalinks. Additional short-term leadership experience includes serving as a Military Executive Officer to the Deputy Director of US Central Command in 2020 and as Program Manager for Operations in 2014 at the United States Department of Defense. Educational credentials include a degree in Regional Security Studies from Naval Postgraduate School, a Master’s in International and Comparative Politics from Wright State University, and a Bachelor's in Computer Science from Hawaii Pacific University.