Board of Education

Occupation: Vice President, Human Resources at ASSA ABLOY

Zaya has been honored to serve on Southington’s Board of Education for the past five terms. Coming from a family of teachers and administrators, he understands the importance of providing our students with a well-rounded, high quality education. Our children are the future, and we should expect the Board of Education to equip them with the skills and abilities to compete now and into the future.

Zaya’s dedication to Southington extends beyond the Board of Education. He was raised in Southington and has been involved in public service for much of his life. He currently serves on the Finance Committee, Policy and Personnel Committee, Self Insurance Committee, Middle School Sports and Activities Committee, High School Business Advisory Committee, and Ordinance Review Committee. He was previously elected to the Planning and Zoning Commission where he served as both Vice-Chairman and Chairman.

Zaya and his wife Karen raised their two children in Town, and both are graduates of the Southington School System. Their eldest, Zaya, recently graduated with a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Quinnipiac University. Their daughter Katie recently graduated from Sacred Heart University with her Masters Degree in Education and is now an elementary school teacher.

The best interests of Southington’s children should always be the central goal of the Board of Education. Our duty is to advocate for the students and our community, not political parties. Politics do not belong on the Board of Education. When ideas differ, we must listen to each other and the community and keep this shared goal in mind. If re-elected, Zaya will continue his practice of listening and working in a non-partisan capacity. He is committed to our educational system and pledges to continue his work toward making Southington a community we can all be proud of.

Volunteerism: Zaya is a strong believer in volunteering and over the years has served on the State Board of Directors for the Future Business Leaders of America, as well as with the Southington High School Chapter, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), The Special Olympics, Relay for Life, and The Southington South Little League helping to coach baseball.

Education: Graduated from Bryant College with honors and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration