Following a 20-year career in the United States Air Force, Joel Soto joined the College Football Playoff as the Executive Administrative Officer in August 2024 and was elevated to Chief of Staff in June 2026.
Before joining the College Football Playoff, Soto served as the Executive Officer to the Superintendent at the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In this role, he led, managed, and supervised all executive functions for the Superintendent, supporting the Academy's comprehensive four-year program, which includes military training, academics, athletics and character development. Prior to his assignment at USAFA, Soto was an instructor pilot with over 1,300 combat flying hours and held several leadership positions for multiple flying units, including Director of Operations and Director of Staff.
Joel and his wife, Karen, have two daughters, Alyssia and Sofia.
