Commodore Venezio (email) has served as the Deputy National Commodore – Operations & Atlantic East. Previously, he served as the District Commodore of the First District Southern Region in 2007-2008, District Vice Commodore – Chief of Staff in 2005-2006 and District Rear Commodore – Activities New York – North in 2002-2003.

Commodore Venezio graduated from the State University of New York at Oswego in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science degree and in 1979 from the State University of New York at Albany with a Master of Science degree. He also completed advanced graduate work at North Adams State University in Massachusetts and the State University of New York at Stony Brook.

Commodore Venezio recently retired as Vice President of the International Center for Leadership in Education and Executive Director of the Successful Practices Network. He had previously retired in 2005 after 31 years in public education as a teacher, principal and district administrator.

Since joining the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Commodore Venezio has held every elected position up to Deputy National Commodore. Additionally, he has held appointed positions at every level from Flotilla Staff Officer through District Directorate Officer. Commodore Venezio also served on the Director of Auxiliary’s staff as the District Qualifications Officer. He is an AUXOP member and is qualified as a coxswain, instructor, vessel examiner, and qualifications examiner. He has been active in operations, public education, program visits, and the vessel examination program. Commodore Venezio currently serves as the Chief Qualification Examiner Coordinator for the First District Southern Region, the Division Chief for Instructor Development and the Branch Chief – Boating Liaison Training.

Commodore Venezio’s personal awards include the Auxiliary Legion of Merit, Auxiliary Commendation Award (2), Transportation 9/11 Medal, Auxiliary Achievement Award (2), Auxiliary Commandant’s Letter of Commendation, Auxiliary Sustained Service Award (10), and several unit awards including the Presidential Unit Citation, Secretary’s (DOT) Outstanding Unit Award, Coast Guard Unit Commendation (OPS, 3), Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation (2), Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation (OPS, 10), and the Special Operations Service Ribbon (2).