Al Santos grew up in the San Francisco Bay area, California. Right after high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served eight years at Edwards AFB, California, where he met his wife Desireé. Al has more than 20 years of information technology experience in systems engineering, architecture, and software development working in aerospace, defense, healthcare, and transportation industries. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Information Systems from Bellevue University, Master of Divinity in Christian Education at Mid-America, and is currently pursuing his PhD in Theology with a minor in New Testament and Church History.

Al has served and led Bible study, youth ministry, and worship with various churches. He is currently serving as a Life Room counselor, Life Group teacher, and he and his wife serve in the young couples ministry at Bellevue Baptist Church. Al and Desireé have been married since May 1997, and they have six children: Alaura, Lillie, Carrigan, Faith, Isabella, and Gabriella.