Award Recipient - Technology Leader: Louis Mazzarini
Louis Mazzarini (posthumous)
“He wasn’t just dedicated to keeping systems running, but he was committed to something even greater: being there for others, fostering a sense of community, and building lasting friendships. Louis led with compassion, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility, always putting people first.
What stood out most was that Louis never led from a distance—he was on the front lines. He didn’t just give directions; he rolled up his sleeves. Whether it was carrying and unpacking equipment, holding doors open for workers hauling in ladders, or stepping in wherever help was needed, Louis showed that leadership means serving alongside others.
His presence is still felt in the culture he helped create, and his legacy lives on through the countless individuals he supported, mentored, and inspired.”
Nominator Information:
Nominated for this award by Carl Fong and 11 fellow colleagues, Carl wrote:
“I am nominating Louis Mazzarini for this honor, not only because he was a close friend I considered a brother but also for his remarkable contributions to the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) and its 29 school districts.
Louis dedicated 39 years to OCDE, beginning in 1986, and rose through the ranks to become the Director of IT in 2003. During his tenure, Louis made transformative changes, implementing cutting-edge technologies that revolutionized how the OCDE supported the districts.
Louis led significant improvements to the Payroll and HR systems. One of his crowning achievements was developing a mobile app that allowed district staff to access payroll, sick leave, and vacation balances directly from their phones. The redesigned Payroll system earned an award for the best use of technology, a testament to Louis's dedication to enhancing efficiency and accessibility.
Louis was always committed to staying ahead of the technological curve. He attended local CITE conferences, eagerly learning about the latest trends and innovations in the field. Louis’s passion for technology and his commitment to improving OCDE’s IT infrastructure. He not only embraced new technologies but also found ways that would benefit both staff and students across the county.
Over countless evenings, Louis and I brainstormed ideas, reviewed concepts, and figured out how to best communicate the department’s evolving strategies to staff and school districts. The IT Division grew from a single, unified team into six distinct departments: Application Support, Application Development, Cybersecurity, Networking, Systems and Databases, and Technical Support.
Beyond his technical expertise, Louis was deeply committed to fostering a positive, collaborative work environment. He treated the IT Division like family, creating a supportive, close-knit atmosphere. Louis believed in team building, and to that end, he organized friendly video game competitions using classic '80s Nintendo games. Winning teams would enjoy a pizza lunch, and this fun rivalry eventually extended to include HR staff as well.
Sadly, Louis retired in December 2024 and passed away in February 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer. He never got to fully enjoy his retirement with his family, which was heartbreaking for all who knew him. Despite his achievements, Louis was a humble person who preferred to stay out of the spotlight. Few people outside the IT division were aware of his retirement, and it’s difficult to write this nomination without him here to share in this recognition.
However, it’s important that his impact be acknowledged. Louis’s work touched the lives of countless students, teachers, principals, and administrators throughout Orange County, and his legacy will live on through the systems and improvements he put in place. He is survived by his loving wife, Sandy, and their two daughters, Stephanie and Jennifer.”