Building Excellence: Zale Bergozza

05/15/2024

---

Residence halls serve as a home away from home for many Florida State students. University Housing Maintenance Supervisor Zale Bergozza ensures that students have the best possible on-campus housing experience by overseeing repairs and improvements to the residence halls.

University Housing Maintenance Supervisor Zale Bergozza

Zale celebrates a decade-long career at University Housing. He started as a General Technician, transitioned to Specialty Trades Technician, and became the West Side Maintenance Supervisor. In October 2023, he was promoted to Housing Maintenance Supervisor, where he oversees trades work in all residence halls.

Zale's leadership skills were instrumental in an extensive lighting replacement project at Ragans Hall this summer. He oversaw the replacement of over 1,500 older, inefficient light fixtures with new flush-mount LEDs, demonstrating his ability to manage large-scale projects. Earlier in the spring, he managed similar lighting upgrades across campus, further highlighting his leadership capabilities. "Zale has been an asset leading the trades and project teams in housing," University Housing Director of Operations Dr. Steve Kleuver said. "He has a great way of leading his team and working with students. University Housing greatly appreciates him and his efforts."

Assistant Director of Operations Lacey Southwick, Maintenace Supervisor Zale Bergozza, and Director of Operations Dr. Steve Kleuver outside of Ragans Hall.

After completing the Electrical Apprenticeship program at Lively Technical College in 2010, Zale started his career in the commercial electrical industry. He developed his skills by performing tasks such as digging underground, setting transformer pads, running wires, and connecting circuits. Zale obtained his Journeyman Electrical license while working in the private sector, which allowed him to work on various job sites across Tallahassee. This experience gave him a solid foundation for the leadership skills he now brings to Florida State.

As the Maintenance Supervisor, Zale starts his day by reviewing the daily tasks and ensuring that all team members are prepared to tackle their assignments. He then makes daily rounds to assess project progress and determine the next steps. Zale also assists leadership with future project development by creating materials lists and timelines.

"Each day is different depending on the current projects, trouble tickets received, shutdowns, and repairs," Zale says. "The role always offers an opportunity to work together as a team to keep the University running smoothly."

Zale Bergozza and Steve Kleuver assess lighting improvements in apartment-style residence hall, Ragans Hall.

When asked what he likes most about his job, Zale said he enjoys taking someone's vision and translating it into a finished product. He also praised his colleagues, saying, "We work with many great employees who are always willing to give advice or lend a helping hand."

Outside work, Zale cherishes spending quality time with his family and enjoys outdoor activities such as fishing, going to the beach, and navigating Florida's nature trails. He is also a novice gardener. Zale has been happily married to his wife for 14 years, and together, they have an 11-year-old daughter, who he describes as highly creative and a wonderful kid. They also share their home with a small-breed dog and a beta fish.