Mr. Sam Zaila

Sam Zaila brings a deep commitment to Jewish education and a strong background in leadership, engineering, and business operations to his new role as Interim Executive Director of Phoenix Hebrew Academy. Before accepting this position, Mr. Zaila served as Co-President of the school’s Board of Directors, where he worked closely with school leadership and community stakeholders to support the Academy’s mission.

Mr. Zaila holds both a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering with a specialization in Management Systems from Florida State University. He spent the first decade of his career as an engineer, contributing to projects ranging from the F-35 Fighter Jet program to the development of networking hardware and consumer electronics.

Over time, Mr. Zaila transitioned into entrepreneurship, acquiring and managing multiple companies, including a business focused on 3D printing and advanced manufacturing. In addition, he has built a significant real estate portfolio in the Phoenix area, owning and managing over 100,000 square feet of industrial warehouse space.

His decision to step into this interim role stems from a deep personal investment in the school’s success and a lifelong passion for strengthening Jewish education. A proud father of PHA students, Mr. Zaila is committed to providing stable, thoughtful leadership that supports academic excellence, Torah values, and community growth.