Connie Vitiello is the deputy assistant Chief of Staff for Information Technology at the Marine Corps. She first came to the Department of the Navy as an enlistee after watching a television advertisement. The daughter of a retired Navy Hospital Corpsman, the Virginia native knew first hand that he had enjoyed his time serving so she took the plunge. After the ASVAB, she met with a civilian engineer from Naval Surface Warfare Center-Dahlgren Division who suggested information technology and within weeks, she enlisted and went to boot camp.

After eight years, Vitiello left uniform service, went to school for her degree, and then moved to the private sector where, she just “didn’t feel the energy.” Vitiello said she soon felt the pull to return to working with the military where she could share the same drive, ambition, work ethic and purpose.” She became a civilian Marine and now is with the Marine Corps Recruiting Command. “Deciding to come back and support the military,” according to Vitiello, “gave me back a sense of pride to be able to support those who keep our country safe and fight for our freedoms. It gives me a sense of accomplishment that I do not feel anywhere else. The partnership between civilians and uniformed personnel is essential.”