Chris Andino has been serving as the United States Deputy Chief of Mission to Uruguay since September 2025, after acting as Charge d’Affaires in Montevideo since June 2025. Andino is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service.
Before his current post, Andino was Director for Western Hemisphere Programs at the Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). In that role, he coordinated foreign assistance focused on strengthening rule of law, combating transnational organized crime and corruption, supporting secure communities, and addressing the movement of narcotics and illicit goods throughout the Americas.
Andino’s overseas experience includes positions such as Political Counselor and Acting Deputy Chief of Mission in Argentina, INL Deputy Director in Afghanistan, Political Counselor in Panama, political officer in Kuwait and Libya, and vice consul in Colombia. His domestic assignments have included work as a Director on the National Security Council staff, political officer in the Office of Mexican Affairs, and special assistant to INL Assistant Secretary William R. Brownfield.
Prior to joining the Foreign Service, Andino worked as a transit bus operator. He placed 17th overall on the fourth-place team at the 2002 Virginia State Bus Roadeo. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and a master’s degree from the National War College. Andino speaks Spanish and has some knowledge of Arabic.
He is known for his support for the Iowa Hawkeyes, which he shares with his two children.