Born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, Appaswamy “Vino” Pajanor’s family traditions led him toward a professional career as an attorney, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. He practiced law in India for five years before moving to the United States to continue his professional and personal development.

For his first six years, beginning in 2002, he worked in the transactions and international group at one of the oldest law firms in San Diego. In 2006, Vino discovered his heart’s passion for nonprofit work when he co-founded the Housing Opportunities Collaborative (HOC) in San Diego to address the growing predatory lending practices and evolving housing crisis. During his time at HOC, Vino also created the first HUD-recognized virtual platform for collaboration in 2013, the Virtual Counselor Network, to improve the delivery of housing and financial coaching
services to the community through technology.

He started his current position as CEO of Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego in October of 2018. Under his leadership, CCDSD has significantly expanded its reach across San Diego and
Imperial Counties, addressing critical issues such as homelessness, food insecurity, refugee resettlement, and immigration services. Vino contributes his legal acumen and policy expertise through several influential board and advisory roles. He serves as a Board Member of Catholic Charities USA, Chair and Board Member of the County of San Diego
Social Services Advisory Board and as a Commissioner on the City of Chula Vista Human Relations Commission.

He and his wife Shirley have two children.

Vino thanks his sponsors Michael McHale, Laurie Coskey and Mark Allan.