Leadership

Majors Caleb &
Rebeca Prieto 

Area Commanders

Majors Caleb and Rebeca Prieto bring more than three decades of passionate service, deep faith, and community leadership to their new appointment as Area Commanders for The Salvation Army in Sarasota, Florida.

Both Majors are proud descendants of multi-generational Salvationists—Rebeca is a fourth-generation Salvationist and Caleb a third generation—with family roots that have served in national and international appointments, from the sun-drenched fields of Cuba to the shores of Jamaica and throughout the United States. Their parents’ faithful leadership as Divisional Commanders in Cuba set a powerful example that continues to inspire their own ministry today.

Answering the call of God from a young age, Majors Caleb and Rebeca were finally able to pursue their shared calling when they arrived in the United States in 1989. Since then, they have served The Salvation Army faithfully for 33 years as officers across a range of leadership roles, most recently leading the Lynchburg Corps in Virginia. Along the way, they have built a reputation for their unwavering dedication to community service, tackling tough challenges with compassion and resilience.

Majors Caleb and Rebeca received their training at Evangeline Booth College in Atlanta. Throughout their ministry, the Prietos have overseen programs addressing domestic violence, drug treatment, veterans’ assistance, transitional housing for men, women, and families, community feeding, disaster relief, thrift store operations, after-school programs, youth enrichment, corrections and post-release programs, and initiatives designed to help individuals and families break the cycle of poverty. Their mission: to share the love of Jesus Christ and meet human needs without discrimination.

In addition to program leadership, the Prietos have successfully participated in multiple capital campaigns, expanded facilities and services, and helped rebuild operations after devastating hurricanes. Whether hammering out building plans, rallying community support, or restoring services in the wake of disaster, the Prietos believe that strong foundations, both spiritual and structural, are essential to lasting ministry.

After 42 years of marriage the Prietos are deeply devoted to their family. They have two daughters, Elizabeth and Annette, who make them incredibly proud. Elizabeth serves as a registered nurse specializing in cardiac surgery intensive care in Sacramento, CA, where she lives with her husband Jonathan and their two children, Nate and Abby. Annette is a technical analyst at a think tank in the Washington, D.C. area and is currently pursuing her doctorate degree in Biodefense. Family time is a treasured priority for the Prietos, whether it’s chasing grandkids around the living room or cheering on the University of Miami Hurricanes.

As they embark on this next chapter, they are enthusiastic about becoming part of the Sarasota community. They are committed to building on The Salvation Army’s historic legacy in the region, growing programs that meet both spiritual and physical needs, and continuing to offer the message of hope, love, and salvation that has defined their lives.