Getting To Know: Luis Diaz, Rockland BOCES
My name is Luis Diaz, and I serve as an Automotive Instructor at Rockland BOCES Career and Technical Education in West Nyack, New York. Situated just 30 minutes north of New York City, our school is part of the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES). We take pride in offering a diverse range of programs, from specialized Career and Technical Education (CTE) for high school students to adult education and essential technology support for our community.
I bring over 18 years of experience from the automotive industry into the classroom. Throughout my career, I’ve held various roles across the board, specializing in service parts and customer service for premium manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, Honda, and Volvo. This "boots-on-the-ground" experience allows me to provide my students with a realistic perspective on what it takes to succeed in a modern service department.
My educational foundation is a blend of technical expertise and strategic management. I earned my AAS in Automotive Technology from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Morrisville, followed by a BS in Business Management from Fairleigh Dickinson University. By combining my hands-on technical background with a solid business education, I aim to equip my students not just with the tools to fix cars, but with the professional skills to build lasting careers in this ever-evolving industry.
I am a dedicated professional with a deep-rooted commitment to technical excellence and community engagement. Currently, I maintain an active presence within the Career and Technical Education Center(CTEC) community, where I stay connected to the evolving landscape of vocational training and professional development. My involvement with CTEC highlights my passion for supporting the next generation of skilled professionals and staying at the forefront of industry standards. In addition, I am the new Lead Advisor for SkillsUSA New York. It’s been a rewarding and exciting endeavor and I look forward with working with future leaders in the trade industry.
Beyond my professional interests, I am an enthusiast of local culture and history, and sports. I also keep a keen eye on positive global events and regional networking, and I am already looking forward to major upcoming milestones like the FIFA World Cup 2026. Whether I am participating in professional dashboards or connecting with colleagues and friends, I strive to bring steady energy and a collaborative spirit to everything I do. I truly value the blend of technical curiosity and community focus that defines my role within the NACAT circle.