From Navy Avionics to Community Innovation: The Journey of Sam Marrazzo
By: Hilario Caro, Talent Optimization at StaffBuffalo
In this engaging episode of the Pain Points Podcast, we sat down with Sam Marrazzo, Chief Innovation Officer at the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (BNMC), to trace his unconventional journey—from avionics technician in the Navy to corporate IT leader to champion of startups and community health innovation in Buffalo. Sam’s story is one of curiosity, resilience, and reinvention, showing how technology and purpose can combine to create lasting impact.
Sam’s career began far from the office: aboard the USS Independence aircraft carrier, where he worked on F-4s and F-18s. It was there that a locksmith introduced him to his first computer program, sparking a lifelong curiosity about technology.
“I’ll never forget—it was 1986, and I touched a PC for the first time,” Sam recalled. “From then on, I couldn’t stop tinkering, building, and trying to figure out how it all worked.”
That curiosity led him to pursue an education in Management Information Systems, setting the stage for a career in IT and business integration.
Bridging Business and Technology
Sam’s early work with Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) at Tower Group (now FedEx) gave him a front-row seat to the future of digital transactions. From there, he advanced into leadership roles at companies like Praxair, where he learned a critical lesson: IT cannot exist in a silo.
“If you’re only focused on technology, you won’t last long in business,” he explained. “Your job is to understand the business, translate needs, and create value through technology.”
That philosophy—being a translator between technology and business—has guided Sam throughout his career.
Culture Shocks and Career Shifts
After decades in corporate IT, Sam made a dramatic transition when he joined the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.
“I came in hot—corporate Sam,” he laughed. “My boss had to keep reminding me, slow down, we do things differently here. We’re about community impact, not just corporate wins.”
The shift forced Sam to rethink pace, priorities, and even health. Diagnosed with sleep apnea during a pilot of a BNMC innovation project, he overhauled his lifestyle. “That project literally saved my life,” he said, describing how focusing on healthspan (healthy years lived) became as important to him as lifespan.
Supporting Startups and the Buffalo Community
At BNMC, Sam channels his energy into supporting startups and fostering community-driven innovation. He’s helped launch projects like Agnomi, a telehealth platform for sleep apnea, and advises entrepreneurs on the tough realities of funding, scaling, and market timing.
“The market is cruel,” he said. “That’s why startups need to be frugal, strategic, and patient. Domain expertise and networks are just as important as technology.”
Sam also stresses the value of volunteering and giving back. Whether through InfoTech WNY, Western New York Heroes, or other nonprofits, he sees community involvement as essential for leaders and startups alike. “You can’t just show up when you need a job or funding. Network when times are good, give back, and it will come back to you.”
Advice for the Next Generation
Sam’s takeaway for future leaders and entrepreneurs is clear:
Be endlessly curious and keep learning.
Understand both the technology and the business.
Build networks through work, volunteering, and service.
Focus on healthspan as much as career span.
Choose partners and teams wisely—it’s a long-term relationship.
At StaffBuffalo, we share that vision. Just as Sam bridges innovation and community impact, we connect businesses with the right people to drive growth and resilience. Together, we can help build teams and organizations that thrive—here in Buffalo and beyond.
If Sam’s journey resonates with you, connect with us today. Let’s explore how curiosity, community, and innovation can shape the future of your career or company.