Alumni Hall of Fame - Michael P. Mandina

Michael P. Mandina ’75
Chairman,
Optimax Systems, Inc.

Nominated by Joseph Spilman

“We have a fundamental knowledge about how careers really are developed and the value of education and developing skills. I’ve found that criticizing and tearing down is easy, but finding the good and building is harder. Without mentors, some luck and the good people I have had the pleasure to work with over the years, I would not have this extraordinary opportunity.”

Mike Mandina earned an Associate Degree in Optical Engineering Technology from Monroe Community College in 1975. In 1976, Mike founded his first optics company, Cormac Industries, and would go on to found Optimax Systems, Inc., an optical components manufacturer, in 1991 in the basement of a barn. Now located in Ontario, NY, Mike watched the company grow to employ more than 450 teammates; of which more than 300 are highly skilled technicians, engineers and scientists.

Mike remains connected to MCC by serving on the College’s Optics Advisory Board and is committed to addressing the current skills gap and aligning the educational system with industry needs to produce a skilled workforce to strengthen our region by helping to insure a vibrant high tech manufacturing community.

Currently serving on the board of Vertus Charter School, Mike has been an active member in many industry associations and organizations including the American Precision Optics Manufacturers Association (APOMA), Business Leaders United, Finger Lakes Advanced Manufacturers’ Enterprise (FAME), High Tech of Rochester’s Manufacturers Extension Partnership, NYS Finger Lakes Workforce Investment Board, Rochester Regional Photonics Cluster and WIRED: Finger Lakes Partnership Governing Board.

A master optician himself, Mike has received numerous honors and awards over the years for his leadership and industry success, including: NYS Business Hall of Fame inductee, Rochester’s Small Business Person of the Year finalist, Rochester Regional Photonics Cluster Entrepreneurship award, SBA’s NYS Small Business Person of the Year award and RIT's Saunders College of Business Herbert W. Vanden Brul Entrepreneurial award.

Mike continued his education after graduating from MCC, earning a bachelor’s degree in applied physics from Empire State College, as well as an executive MBA from the Rochester Institute of Technology. He resides in Ontario with his wife and enjoys wood working, small craft sailing, kayaking and travel.