Resume | Nicholas Lastella

Professional summary

I’m an experienced technology professional with a background spanning software development, data engineering and reporting, business intelligence, automation, and technical support. I currently lead a small technical team while remaining actively involved in the design and development of the systems and tools we support.

Much of my work sits at the intersection of technology and operations. I develop SQL-based data processes, Power BI reporting solutions, C#/.NET applications, APIs, automated workflows, and internal web tools designed to replace manual processes and improve the accuracy and accessibility of information. I also administer and support the platforms behind those solutions and work directly with users to understand their needs, troubleshoot problems, and translate complex requirements into practical systems.

Over the course of my career, I’ve progressed from hands-on hardware and end-user support into application development, data and reporting, and technical leadership. That background has given me a broad view of technology: not just how to build a solution, but how it will be deployed, supported, maintained, and ultimately used by the people it was created for.

Experience

6 positions

Nassau BOCES · Robert E. Lupinskie Center, Westbury, NY June 2024 — Present

Senior Manager / Information Technology Applications Specialist III

Lead a technical team responsible for developing and supporting data, reporting, automation, and application solutions for internal teams and school districts across Nassau County. I remain hands-on with development and architecture while also overseeing projects, setting priorities, supporting staff, and working directly with stakeholders to turn operational needs into practical technical solutions.

Lead a team of report writers and application development staff across multiple concurrent reporting, data, and software initiatives.
Design and develop internal web applications, APIs, automation tools, and data-processing workflows using C#, .NET, SQL Server, and related technologies.
Develop and administer Power BI reporting solutions used to support district decision-making, data validation, State Reporting, and internal operations.
Automate repetitive business and reporting processes through SQL procedures, scheduled applications, and custom tooling, reducing manual effort and opportunities for error.
Build and maintain data solutions supporting complex educational datasets, including assessment, accountability, attendance, and State Reporting workflows.
Work directly with technical and non-technical stakeholders to define requirements, troubleshoot issues, present new solutions, and guide projects from concept through implementation.

Nassau BOCES · Robert E. Lupinskie Center, Westbury, NY June 2021 — May 2024

Information Technology Specialist II

Supported Nassau County school districts with New York State student data reporting while increasingly focusing on SQL development, business intelligence, reporting, and process automation. This role marked my transition from primarily technical support into data and application development, with an emphasis on making complex reporting requirements easier for districts to understand and manage.

Supported school districts with Level 0, Level 1, Level 2, SIRS reporting requirements, and other NYSED data systems.
Designed and developed the State Reporting Power BI Dashboard portal, giving districts a centralized way to review and work with reporting and validation data.
Created SQL queries, scripts, and reporting processes to investigate data-quality issues and support recurring State Reporting workflows.
Developed Power BI reports and other data tools that translated complex educational datasets and reporting rules into clear, actionable information.
Worked directly with district personnel to troubleshoot reporting discrepancies, explain requirements, and guide data issues through resolution.
Introduced scripting and automation into existing workflows to reduce repetitive manual work and improve consistency.

Nassau BOCES · Robert E. Lupinskie Center, Westbury, NY January 2020 — June 2021

Information Technology Aide II

Worked as part of the Test Scoring team supporting large-scale New York State assessments and Regents examinations for public, independent, and parochial schools. The role also introduced me to educational data systems and gave me my first opportunities to work with Level 0, data troubleshooting, and internally developed technical solutions.

Supported the printing, distribution, processing, and scoring of answer sheets for statewide assessments and Regents examinations.
Assisted schools with troubleshooting student-data issues within the Level 0 reporting environment.
Played a significant role in the development and rollout of the TakeAction COVID-19 screening platform used by Nassau BOCES and multiple school districts.
Expanded my use of Excel formulas, macros, and other tools to improve recurring operational processes.
Gained early experience combining technical support, data management, and application-based solutions in an educational environment.

Future Tech Enterprises Inc. · Merrick UFSD October 2016 — January 2020

Level 1 Technician

Provided onsite technology support for a school district environment spanning three schools, approximately 2,000 devices, and 200 employees. Supported end-user hardware, network infrastructure, device deployment, and systems administration while developing a broad foundation in enterprise IT support.

Supported Windows laptops and desktops, iPads, printers, and network equipment across three school buildings.
Installed and maintained wireless access points, network switches, and physical network connections.
Used Active Directory to assist with user permissions, policies, and Windows device management.
Worked with SCCM to create and deploy task sequences for computer imaging and software updates.
Used Apple Configurator to configure and deploy iPads for classroom use.
Managed and documented support requests through the organization's ticketing system.
Provided day-to-day technical support for approximately 200 employees and a device environment of roughly 2,000 machines.

Inspect UR Gadgets · Long Beach, NY July 2014 — April 2016

Repair Technician → Manager

Started as a hands-on repair technician and progressed into a management role within a small technology business. Worked directly with customers while handling device repair, computer support, inventory, purchasing, and online sales.

Diagnosed and repaired smartphones from a variety of major manufacturers, including component-level hardware replacements.
Performed computer maintenance, operating-system restores, resets, cleanups, and hardware upgrades on Windows and Apple systems.
Provided remote, telephone, and in-person technical support for home and small-business customers.
Managed inventory and purchasing for repair parts and retail stock.
Supported online sales through platforms including eBay, PayPal, and Swappa.
Progressed from a technical repair position into broader operational and management responsibilities.

Your Wireless — Verizon Wireless Premium Retailer · Oceanside, NY February 2012 — July 2014

Sales Representative

Combined consumer technology sales with hands-on technical support in a customer-facing retail environment. The role helped build the communication and troubleshooting skills that would later become an important part of my technical career.

Sold mobile phones, tablets, connected devices, and Verizon Wireless services.
Provided in-person and telephone technical support for mobile devices and related home services.
Helped customers understand device features, service options, and technical issues.
Developed strong customer-service and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced retail environment.
Learned to manage difficult or high-pressure customer interactions professionally and effectively.

Education

1 entry

New York Institute of Technology · Old Westbury, NY

B.S. Computer Science

Network Security

Graduated with cum laude honors.
Recipient of Computer Science Faculty Award for demonstrated excellence in the field.

September 2012 — May 2016