Matt Azarva, Class of 1999

 
 
Matt Azarva graduated from Delaware Valley Friends School in 1999. He graduated from Northeastern University in 2004 with a B.S. in Media Studies/Broadcasting. Matt spent 8 years at Comcast SportsNet in Philadelphia as a Sports Producer, earning 2 Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards. In 2014, he left the television industry and joined Klein Hersh International, an executive search firm focused on the healthcare and life sciences industries. He has been recognized as a Top-10 performer in a network comprised of more than 3,000 search professionals in nearly 40 countries. In 2019, Matt was promoted to Client Partner at KHI where he continues to lead the Digital Health practice.  
 
In addition, Matt previously served a term on DVFriends' Board of Trustees from 2017-20. 
 
In his spare time, he works with the Ronald McDonald House and supports PMBL/Treasure Beach Youth Basketball, a summer camp for Jamaica’s underprivileged children.
 
When did you come to DVFriends, and from where?
I came to DVFS in 1994 from another LD school.
 
Can you tell us a little bit about your learning difference and struggles in school?
I struggled in larger class settings and needed more individual attention from teachers. DV provided that environment coupled with much needed patience.
 
What changed for you when you came to DVFriends?
At DV I felt like I belonged and received the attention I needed from the teaching staff. As result of being in the “right environment” my confidence grew and I became a more engaged student in the classroom.
 
Do you have any special memories from your time at DVFriends?
I have many great memories of interactions with teachers like Steve Cooney, David Calamaro, and Roxanne Hewitt. They each have their own unique style and truly cared about my education.
 
What are you doing now?
I’m an Executive Recruiter for a search firm that focuses in the life sciences & healthcare industries, and I joined the DV Board of Trustees in 2017-18.
 
What do you think the long-term value of a DVFriends education has been for you?
Participating in student government and athletics at DV gave me the confidence and leadership to have a voice and speak up. Those are invaluable lessons that have stayed with me to this day.