Col. (Ret) Carlos E. Berdecia '01
Col. (Ret.) Carlos E. Berdecia ‘01 serves as secretary of the UNC Pembroke Board of Trustees. Appointed to the board by the UNC Board of Governors in 2025, he was elected secretary by his fellow trustees in 2026.
A first-generation college graduate, Berdecia earned his degree in management and marketing from UNCP in 2001, balancing his studies with ROTC, baseball and campus leadership. He credits the university with building the discipline and leadership skills that shaped his career.
Berdecia retired from the U.S. Air Force as a colonel after more than two decades of service as a C-17 pilot. He deployed on missions around the world, leading strategic airlift operations in support of combat, humanitarian and disaster relief efforts. Along the way, he earned a reputation as a highly skilled aviator and adaptive leader, with deep expertise in airlift operations, flight safety and mission planning. He concluded his career as commander of the 437th Operations Group at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina.
Across a series of leadership positions, Berdecia made developing people a hallmark of his command. He mentored the next generation of airmen and fostered a culture of teamwork, accountability and professionalism. He brings that same servant-leadership approach to his work as a trustee.
His commitment to service has extended well beyond the flight line. While in uniform, he was active in community outreach that strengthened ties between military and civilian communities, and he was a consistent advocate on veterans’ issues. Since retiring, he has continued that advocacy through his work with veteran-serving nonprofit organizations.
Today, he is a commercial pilot for United Airlines. He divides his time between Miami, Florida, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.