Tom Vaccarello was appointed chief safety and security officer in December 2023 after serving in the Office of Safety and Security (OSS) as the director and executive director since 2015. In addition to managing the daily operations of OSS, he has overseen the systemwide expansion of critical safety and security programs, as well as the development of innovative programs and practices.   

Before joining Fairfax County Public Schools, Vaccarello was employed with the United States Secret Service as a special agent for 28 years, with 10 of those years serving at the senior leadership level. He also served as a state police officer in New Mexico.

Vaccarello's education includes a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Criminology from Eastern New Mexico University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of New Mexico. He also holds an executive certification as a chief security officer from the Carnegie Mellon Institute of Technology, CyLab.