Rear Admiral José Luis Betancourt, United States Navy, Retired Chief Administrative Officer, San Diego City Schools San Diego, California

José Luis Betancourt serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for the San Diego City Schools. Prior to beginning this assignment, he most recently served as the United States Navy’s Commander for the Southwest Region. Mr. Betancourt attained the rank of Rear Admiral and earned numerous awards while on active duty in the United States Navy, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and Humanitarian Service.

Mr. Betancourt is the oldest of eight children and was born in Matamoros, Mexico. When he was young, his family moved to Brownsville, Texas and while still in his youth he became a naturalized citizen. Despite the family's economic situation, his parents insisted that the children finish high school. Later he enrolled at Texas Southmost College (TSC), distinguishing himself academically and in student government. He went on to earn an undergraduate degree, graduating Cum Laude from Pan American University. He holds graduate degrees from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, and completed course work in international relations at Harvard University.