Celines Surillo
Celines Surillo is a seasoned Financial Management Advisor and First Sergeant with the United States Army, bringing nearly two decades of dedicated service in finance, administration, and leadership roles. In her current position, she is responsible for supporting soldier morale and welfare, overseeing administrative readiness, and ensuring her team is prepared for future success. Known for her humility and people-first leadership style, she focuses on building trust through clear communication and by understanding the challenges faced by the soldiers she serves.
Throughout her military career, Celines has held a variety of operational and financial management roles, consistently leading teams in high-pressure and dynamic environments. Her work has included resolving complex pay issues, managing internal controls, and improving financial processes that directly impact soldiers and their families. A significant milestone in her journey was becoming the first female to hold her current leadership role within her organization—an achievement that reflects her resilience, determination, and commitment to paving the way for others.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Celines has pursued higher education while serving, earning degrees in entrepreneurship from American Military University and currently working toward a Doctorate in Business Administration. Passionate about mentorship and service, she is dedicated to empowering diverse teams and preparing the next generation of leaders. As she approaches retirement from the Army, Celines remains focused on creating meaningful impact through leadership, innovation, and her unwavering commitment to helping others succeed.
• Joint Special Operation Forces Senior Enlisted Academy
• Fellow
• Executive Financial Manager
• Foundations of Leadership
• DoD FM Certification Level 3
• American Military University- M.A.
• American Military University- B.A.
• Fayetteville Technical Community College- Associate's
• Capella University- D.B.A.
• First female First Sergeant in her current organization
• School of Business Dean’s List
• United States Army
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my mom. I was raised by her and my grandmother, and just seeing that she could do it on her own, I knew that the sky's the limit. Watching her strength and independence showed me what was possible, and that foundation has carried me through my entire career.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best piece of advice I ever received as a young soldier was from a leader who would say, 'Hey, I enrolled you in this class, go do this.' That simple phrase, 'go do this,' has been the best piece of advice I've ever gotten. I just went after small tasks, and those small tasks became bigger things, and everything else just fell into place after that. It set me up for success.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be you. Be true to yourself. Don't try to be somebody that everybody else wants you to be, because at the end of the day, you're never going to be happy. But if you're you and you stay true to yourself, everybody will recognize the value that you bring to the table.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I'm in a good place right now. My work ethic has spoken for itself, and thankfully, I've built trust with the higher headquarters where they don't see me by gender, it's very gender-neutral. It's not like in other industries where female leaders are not looked at by their title. I've been blessed in that, and I really don't have a challenge when it comes to that. As for opportunities, every door has opened for me, and every door that opens, I go for it.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Trust is number one for me. Trust and communication are the values that matter most to me in both my work and personal life. These two things are the foundation of everything I do.