A Marine vet, Ornelas keeps IT operations at Hupy running smoothly, efficiently

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One of the hardest parts of cybersecurity is to stay ahead of bad actors who are trying to cause harm.

Ozzy Ornelas, director of information technologies at Hupy and Abraham, looks forward to the challenge every day he comes to work.

“In today’s IT world, you really need an entire cybersecurity team monitoring your systems and day-to-day operations,” he said. “We do our best via several layers of security technologies, but you’re always just one click away from a disaster. Monitoring our systems and training our employees is challenging but essential.

A veteran of the Marines, Ornelas joined the Hupy and Abraham team four years ago. He is responsible for maintaining and monitoring IT infrastructure, including on-premise and cloud technologies.

“I’m essentially responsible for all IT operations at the firm,” he said. “Everything from infrastructure, communications, cloud applications, cybersecurity and more. I must make sure all systems are up and running and ready to do business every day.”

Audrey Roth, communications specialist with the firm, said Ornelas is always working behind the scenes to make sure the office is running as smoothly as possible.

“Ozzy’s expertise, combined with his great approach to office maintenance and management, makes him such an important team member at Hupy and Abraham,” Roth said.

“Without Ozzy’s dedication, Hupy and Abraham would not be the efficient and successful organization that it is today. Although a lot of his work is behind the scenes, Ozzy’s devotion to his position and to the efficiency of the organization make him such an incredible asset to this firm.”

Outside of work, Ornelas enjoys anything that keeps him outdoors.

“I play outdoor sand volleyball most of the year until it gets too cold,” he said. “I like to go for runs and bike when I can. I spend a lot of time with my family and there’s always some project to do around the house.”