Henry Matta Garcia - Senior Director, HR Information Systems

As a senior director overseeing HR information systems and compliance for Tria, Henry Matta Garcia is known as “the wizard behind the curtain” for his ability to seamlessly manage data spanning personnel, benefits, and recruiting, while supporting other critical systems. Working remotely from Florida, Henry spends much of his free time globetrotting and training for marathons and triathlons.

What is something that people would be surprised to learn about you?

I worked as a mechanical technician on NASA’s Space Shuttle Program, turning wrenches and getting my hands dirty inside and around the space shuttle fleet. Our team loaded the fuel cells with liquid nitrogen and liquid hydrogen, the system used to provide power to all the onboard computers while in orbit. I was part of the red crew, the mechanics who are on standby in case any last-minute repairs before they press the launch button.

I remember taking my wife to see her first space shuttle launch. We were right in front of the countdown clock. When the rocket started taking off, you could feel the pressure pounding in your chest and the force of the shuttle through your whole body. Also, the echo off the NASA buildings was deafening. My wife started running away, saying “What is going on?” But I assured her that the physical sensation was normal.

We still live in the Space Coast area, so we get to see the rockets go up all the time. While the physical sensation is not as intense, the sight of launches always stirs our imagination on space travel.

How did you get from rockets to HR?

I served in the Army from 1993 to 1999 and joined a NASA contractor right after I left the service. While working as a technician, I obtained a management information systems degree under the GI Bill. This eventually led to a job as an HR information systems analyst.

What do you do in your free time?

I am an avid runner and a triathlete in the making. That is right! It is never too late. I am still working my way up to my first Half Ironman, which is a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and 13.1-mile run. I have done quite a few Sprint and Olympic races, which are shorter versions.

I love to combine my passions of running and travel. This fall I am running two marathons back-to-back: the Berlin Marathon on September 29, followed by the Marine Corps Marathon in D.C. on October 27.

What’s your favorite part of working at Tria?

The HR and recruiting team cares about Tria’s employees and each other, and we rely on one another to get our missions completed.

As a veteran, I find fulfillment in knowing that my role directly and indirectly supports veterans.

What accomplishments during your time at Tria are you most proud of?

When I joined the company in November 2022, Tria was just being created through the combination of three smaller companies. I was one of the key contributors who received special recognition for supporting the merging of HR, payroll and timekeeping systems into a single system.

How do you create a sense of teamwork with coworkers?

Being in a remote environment, my rule of thumb is if my Microsoft Teams light is green, I am available for problem solving, process improvements or any discussion that makes our team stronger. I like to learn from my coworkers and share my knowledge with them to create team efficiencies and cohesion.

How do you hope to grow in your role in the months or years to come?

I am a forever student, and currently enrolled in an HR international certification program for compensation and benefits.