About Me
Every Great Executive Begins With An Even Better Story
I am a Senior Financial and Operational Director with over 40 years’ experience with large, global service/high-tech and public software companies.
I am a hands-on leader with demonstrated ability to manage organizations undergoing significant growth and transformation. I work closely with operations and their executives to effectively communicate the fiscal results, forecasts and impact of policies and procedures to business units. I have the capacity to effectively manage school operations on a daily basis while assisting the VP of Finance with financial and accounting related projects and Corporate initiatives and policies.
My Story
I am an Italian-American Senior Director renowned for my extensive expertise in financial and operational management within large service, high-tech, and public software companies. I graduated with a BBA from the University of Notre Dame, Mendoza School of Business in 1982. I have built a distinguished career spanning several decades. I currently serve as a Senior Director with Stride Inc. (formerly K12 Inc.), where I have been instrumental in overseeing the financial operations of various educational institutions, particularly in California. My responsibilities have included supporting 13 separate 501(c)(3) schools with independent governing boards and overseeing finance operations for Stride Inc.’s Western and Central Regions, which encompass over 40 public charter school programs across multiple states.
Prior to my role at Stride Inc., I held several key positions that underscore my versatility and proficiency in finance and operations. I served as the CEO of So Cal SportsCards in Orange County, California, where I was responsible for internet revenue, sales, and profitability, achieving significant sales growth year over year. I also served as CFO at Alexis Communications Inc., where I led the development of business, operating, and strategic plans, managed various departments, and raised $5,000,000 in capital. Additionally, I was CFO of E-Commerce Exchange in Irvine, California, and Acting CFO at Epicor Software, where I managed annual operating plans, budget approvals, and strategic company decisions.
I began my career at Arthur Andersen & Co., where I served as a Senior Manager specializing in public company audits. During my tenure at Arthur Andersen, I worked extensively with clients in diverse industries, including sports, pharmaceuticals, and hospitality, honing my skills in financial analysis, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance.
Outside of my professional accomplishments, I am also known for my involvement in the entertainment industry, having been an actor in The Showdown (2006), a short movie as the Pitching Coach. During the past years, I played high-level senior softball, contributing to numerous league championships. In my younger days, I played semi-professional baseball for the Lamppost Stars in the Southern California Baseball Association from 1982 to 1984. I played for the Junior Varsity Baseball Team for the University of Notre Dame during college. In high school, I was the starting free safety for the 1977 Servite Football Team and won the Coaches’ Award. I also played right-field for the 1978 California CIF 4-A Championship Baseball Team and won the Most Improved Player Award . I was invited to try-out for the 1984 U.S.A. Olympic Baseball Team
I was honored as the Notre Dame Club of Orange County Person of the Year in 1991. In addition, I was inducted into the Servite High School Hall of Fame in 2012 as part of the California CIF 4-A Championship Baseball Team.
My family includes my wife Shohreh Abedi. I have been blessed with four wonderful children: Danielle, Jordan, Amir, and Darius. My family ties remain strong, extending to my sister-in-law, Kathleen Mazzarella.