What do a therapist and a human resources professional have in common?
It may be a tough call at first glance. But diocesan human resources (HR) director Matthew Hazi could tell you. Hazi, who has been in this role for a year, strives to be a compassionate, confidential resource for employees whenever they need to talk.
“There’s a very human aspect to it. You give people a place to share in a confidential way. You have to be willing to listen and commiserate and offer whatever support you can,” he said.
Hazi’s professional background has prepared him for this role. He has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania, and a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology from West Chester University, near Philadelphia. These, coupled with his master’s certificate in human resources from Villanova University, honed his people-first approach to HR.
For 14 years, he worked as HR director for Children’s Aid Society of Mercer County, Pennsylvania. He lives there with his wife Hannah, their three children, Henry (12), Gretchen (10) and Margaret (8); and their three cats. Hazi enjoyed his work at the Children’s Aid Society tremendously but was open to a new opportunity when he stumbled across the position with the Diocese of Youngstown.
“It had never occurred to me that the Church has employees beyond clergy,” he recalled with a chuckle. Hazi, a cradle Catholic, was intrigued by this confluence of faith and professional life. It was also new for him to be on the interviewee’s side of the table. After conducting interviews for more than a decade, it was novel for him to be the interviewee.
After getting the position, Hazi learned it would require him to break a secular rule of HR protocol—asking a person’s religion. Now, when compiling a job description, he determines if a practicing Catholic would be the best fit. For example, someone working as a music director would likely need to be a practicing Catholic who understands the liturgy so that they could make appropriate sacred music selections.
“Threading that needle has been interesting,” he said.
Hazi mainly provides his services at the diocesan level but offers support and guidance to parishes and schools. “I’m highly motivated by trying to do a good job. I’m always trying to assess current needs and meet them.”
In his spare time, Hazi is an avid reader. He enjoys fantasy, great literature and American history, following the adventures of figures as diverse as Frodo Baggins, David Copperfield and Abraham Lincoln. He is also always up for a video game or a board game (even if Margaret, his youngest, always bests him at her favorite game).
Faith is the cornerstone of Hazi family life. Matt and Hannah Hazi, attended the same schools in Mercer, from kindergarten through 12th grade. They were friends who never imagined they would one day be married. When they reconnected after college, Hannah had recently become Catholic. The faith formation she received as an adult inspired him, he said.
“She has made me more of a faith-filled person,” he said. Together, they prioritize raising their kids to love their faith, so Hazi enjoys working in a faith-filled environment that mirrors his home life.
The environment, combined with his coworkers’ kindness, is his favorite aspect of his work. “I love the fact that I am supporting an organization that is near and dear to my heart. Day to day, I work with a lot of very nice people,” he said.
Hazi sees how his hiring practices have a tremendous effect on the diocese, saying, “A good hire supports the good of the whole organization. It makes me feel good to see someone come in who does a good job and fits in well.”
