FALLS CHURCH, VA, April 15, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Mario A. Oliva has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Oliva has been a distinguished foreign affairs officer with the U.S. Department of the Air Force since September 2024. In this role, he supports Western Hemisphere partners and allies to modernize their air forces, an effort that strengthens the United States' partnerships in Latin America. His responsibilities include coordinating with partner nations and various U.S. governmental agencies to enable foreign military sales. He also facilitates discussions to support modernization efforts within partner nations' air forces. Notably, he played a crucial role in Argentina's procurement of the F-16 fighter by building a winning coalition across the Department of State, the U.S. Department of Defense, Argentina and Denmark. His effort led to the successful third-party transfer of Denmark's F-16 fighters to Argentina.

In his previous civil service roles, Mr. Oliva led the Western Hemisphere portfolio for the Department of State's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs from February 2022 to September 2024. Prior to these roles, he served as the force protection chief at the U.S. Northern Command's Joint Task Force Civil Support. His extensive experience in security cooperation and foreign affairs spans various assignments throughout his military career that brought him to Afghanistan, Australia, Central and South America, and Iraq.

Between 1995 and 2022, Mr. Oliva served in the U.S. Army, during which time he gained expertise in Latin American culture and consensus-building. His dedication and achievements have been recognized through numerous awards, including two Bronze Star Medals, multiple Meritorious Service Medals and a Defense Meritorious Service Medal. Additionally, while serving at the State Department, he received a Quality Step Increase for sustained exceptional performance.

Instrumental in shaping Mr. Oliva's career in international service and military operations was his academic background. He first obtained a bachelor's degree from Wilmington College in 1999 before acquiring a Master of Public Administration from Webster University in 2006. He subsequently earned a Master of Military Art and Science in Latin American studies from the United States Army Command and General Staff College in 2019, followed by a Master of International Service in Western Hemisphere affairs from American University in 2024.

Reflecting on his journey, Mr. Oliva attributes much of his success to his humble beginnings and resilience developed throughout his life. Growing up in rural El Salvador without modern amenities, he faced various challenges that built his character and strength. Moving to the city to live with his father presented further difficulties until he relocated to the United States with his mother. These experiences taught him that adversity builds character and perseverance is key to overcoming challenges.

Despite his demanding career, Mr. Oliva prioritizes spending time with his family. This allows him to unwind and create lasting memories with loved ones while balancing his personal life and his professional responsibilities in Washington.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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