Matthew Pexa, 1996 - Heights Schools Foundation

“Seeing my high school honor me with a lifetime achievement award fills me with gratitude and reflection. It reminds me of the roots that shaped my journey, the teachers and friends who inspired me, and the responsibility to keep giving back while carrying forward the pride of where I began.”

“Success means doing the best with what we have. Success is the doing, not the getting; in the trying, not the triumph. Success is a personal standard, reaching for the highest that is in us, becoming all that we can be.” ~ Zig Ziglar

Matthew Pexa, a native of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, discovered his passion for storytelling early, winning both a short story award and national recognition for his poetry. Pexa got his start behind the camera directing music videos, and short films. He went on to earn his film degree from Bowling Green State University before being selected as one of only 15 applicants worldwide to join the prestigious DGA Training Program.

This milestone launched his Hollywood career, where he quickly established himself as both an assistant director and director . His work includes serving as part of the directing staff and as a director on the Emmy Award–winning series “Abbott Elementary”, as well as being part of the directing team nominated for a DGA Award for The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story. In addition to his accomplishments in film and television, Pexa has expanded his creative expression into producing and executive producing music for film & television.

Education

Bachelors Degree in Film Studies – Bowling Green State University

Current Occupation

Director and Assistant Director – Film & TV
Music Producer – Music Industry

Achievements

Published Author at age 14 in the book “Of Sunshine & Daydreams” from the National Library of Poetry
Won a financial grant for writing the short story “A Sound For The Lonely”
His award winning short film which he wrote and directed, “EXODUS” starring Robert Patrick was selected to open the Milan Film Festival
Out of applicants from around the world, he was honored to be selected as one of only fifteen individuals accepted into the prestigious Directors Guild of America Trainee Program, where he held the distinction of being the youngest member in the history of the program at that time
He was honored to be part of the directing team nominated for a Directors Guild award for the Emmy award winning series The People v. O.J. Simpson, alongside the Academy Award winning Director John Singleton- who then went on to mentor Pexa as a film director
Director and 1st. Assistant Director on the Emmy Award winning series “Abbott Elementary” , contributing to its creative vision and success