Full Name
T.H. Carlos Vecchio
Job Title
Ambassador (ret)
Current Employer
Private Practice
Speaker Bio
Carlos Vecchio, a renowned lawyer and human rights activist, has made significant contributions to the fight for democracy and freedom in Venezuela. He graduated from the Central University of Venezuela with a degree in law and continued his education with a postgraduate degree in Tax Law from the same university. His academic pursuits extended internationally, earning a Master's degree in Public Administration from the Kennedy School of Harvard University and a Master of Laws from Georgetown University in Washington DC, supported by a Fulbright Scholarship. In 2013, he was recognized with the Maurice R. Greenberg World Fellow Program title from Yale University.

In February 2019, Vecchio's career reached a pivotal point when Acting President Juan Guaidó appointed him as the Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the United States, a position confirmed by the National Assembly. This appointment, officially announced on April 8, 2019, was acknowledged by President Donald Trump as a historic moment, marking Vecchio as “the first Venezuelan Ambassador to the United States in 8 years.”

Prior to his ambassadorial role, Vecchio faced significant challenges in Venezuela. In June 2014, he was forced into exile in the United States following an arrest warrant issued by Nicolás Maduro's regime for his active opposition, alongside Leopoldo López, against the dictatorship. Before his exile, he spent 108 days in hiding. Despite these challenges, Vecchio tirelessly advocated for democracy in Venezuela, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis and violations of fundamental rights in the country. He played a crucial role in rallying international support and organizing the Venezuelan diaspora in their struggle for freedom.

Vecchio co-founded the Voluntad Popular political party with Leopoldo López and Juan Guaidó. As the National Political Coordinator since 2010, he led the party to become a symbol of political and social rights activism in Venezuela. His political endeavors include coordinating presidential campaigns for opposition candidates Henrique Capriles Radonski and Leopoldo López, and running for public office, including a National Assembly candidacy in 2010 and a mayoral bid for Chacao in 2008. His decision to step down from candidacies at crucial moments reflects his deep commitment to democratic unity and principles.

In addition to his political career, Vecchio has been a passionate advocate for human rights through the Civil Association “Active Citizenship,” which he founded in 2002. The organization is dedicated to promoting and defending the human, political, and civil rights of citizens, as well as upholding democratic values in Venezuela.

Carlos Vecchio served as the Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the United States until January 5, 2023. Following this, he returned to the private practice of his profession. He also holds a position as an invited professor at Florida International University (FIU) and remains actively engaged in the ongoing fight for democracy and freedom in Venezuela. His tenure as ambassador was instrumental in transforming the Venezuelan humanitarian and freedom cause into a bipartisan issue, achieving tangible results against the illegitimate regime and advancing towards the end of the dictatorship in Venezuela.

Carlos Vecchio was born on June 6, 1969, in Caripe, Monagas state, Venezuela. His personal journey and professional achievements are a testament to his unwavering dedication to his country and its democratic future.
Carlos Vecchio