The Orange County Department of Education has tapped a veteran business services leader to be its next associate superintendent of Administrative Services.
David M. Giordano, an assistant superintendent in the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District since 2015, will succeed Renee Hendrick, who was recently promoted to deputy superintendent in charge of Operations, Governance and Community Partnerships. Hendrick is taking over the role held by Nina Boyd, who in June announced her plans to retire from OCDE after 33 years.
Giordano had served in OCDE’s Business Services division from 1997 to 2005 before moving on to work in the Anaheim Elementary, Centralia and Brea Olinda Unified school districts. He is scheduled to officially start his new role at OCDE on Sept. 18.
“We are excited to welcome David Giordano back to our team,” said Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Al Mijares. “His breadth and depth of experience and demonstrated capabilities make him a valuable addition to OCDE. We are confident that his leadership will further strengthen our Administrative Services division.”
“In addition,” Mijares said, “I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Renee Hendrick on her well-deserved promotion and express my deepest appreciation for Nina Boyd’s remarkable contributions to this organization. These two exceptional leaders have exemplified the mission, vision and values of OCDE and embodied our unwavering commitment to excellence.”
Expertise in multiple areas
Along with providing direct instruction to the county’s most vulnerable students through its Alternative Education and Special Education divisions, OCDE supports local school districts with services necessary for their operations, including professional development, high-speed internet access and security, legal and fiscal guidance, payroll systems, Local Control and Accountability Plan assistance and approval, and student enrichment.
OCDE’s Administrative Services division is specifically responsible for managing internal business operations. It oversees a number of specialized units that include Human Resources, Facilities and Operations, Fiscal Services, Purchasing and Contracts, Risk Management, and Food Services.
In a career spanning more than 30 years, Giordano has built up an impressive resume with advanced responsibilities in accounting operations, budget preparation and analysis, cash management, financial system implementation and support, development and implementation of internal controls, contract negotiations, audit analysis, and fiscal management. His expertise across multiple areas reflects a proven ability to effectively adapt his skills across diverse environments.
“OCDE has long held a reputation for the stellar services it provides to school districts, community colleges and families, and I am honored and committed to carrying that legacy forward,” Giordano said. “More than anything, I am eager to collaborate with the department’s staff of dedicated professionals who strive each day to provide the highest quality education to all Orange County students.”
Managing district finances
Before joining the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District, Giordano was assistant superintendent of Business Services for the Brea Olinda Unified School District from January 2012 through June 2015 and assistant superintendent in the Centralia School District from March 2008 until December 2011.
In each of these roles, he was responsible for planning, organizing and managing the district’s financial affairs while serving as an advisor to the superintendent and the board of education. Giordano also supervised the teams responsible for fiscal services, facilities, technology, maintenance and operations, purchasing, transportation, food services, and risk management.
Giordano was director of fiscal services in the Anaheim Elementary School District from 2005 through 2008, and before that he worked at the Orange County Department of Education — first as manager of district fiscal assistance and then as coordinator of district integrated system support within the Business Services division.
He also has experience earlier in his career as an accountant and budget analyst with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and a supervisor of cash management with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services.
Back where it began
Giordano holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of La Verne with a concentration in management and leadership. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in accounting from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
Residents of Anaheim, Giordano and his wife, Alicia, have been married for 25 years and have two sons. John Paul, 19, is preparing for his second year at Chapman University. Anthony, 16, is entering his junior year of high school. They also have a chocolate Labrador retriever named Enzo, who joined the family about a year and a half ago.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and friends. When time permits, he also likes to exercise, read and fish.
Rejoining OCDE, Giordano said, represents an opportunity to return to the organization where his educational career began 26 years ago, with new responsibilities.
“It is an opportunity for growth,” he said, “and at the same time a chance to continue servicing districts throughout Orange County, including programs that serve our most vulnerable student populations.”