The Staff Senate June General Meeting featured guest speakers, Paul Liberty, vice president of Government and Community Relations, and Tyler Javonillo, assistant director of State Government Relations. If you missed the meeting, or would like to rewatch the session, please review the recording.
As the anchor for Northern Virginia’s first Innovation District, George Mason University’s Science and Technology Campus is going through a major growth spurt. George Mason employees now have the option to live in the center of it all. George Mason is offering affordable, high-quality housing to faculty and staff at the SciTech Townhomes. Faculty and staff are eligible to rent spacious two- or three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom units with private garages. Read more. To learn more, contact the property manager.
Paul Liberty, vice president of Government and Community Relations, and Tyler Javonillo, assistant director of State Government Relations, will join the Staff Senate as our June General Meeting guest speakers.
Wednesday, June 3
9:40 a.m. to 10 a.m. – Staff Senate Recognition Ceremony
10 a.m. to 11 a.m. – General Business Meeting
11 a.m. to noon – Guest Speakers
Constituents are invited to attend in person at Fairfax, Merten Hall, Room 1201, or join the meeting via Zoom.
Passcode: SS123
Call in: 301-715-8592 or 267-831-0333
Meeting ID: 931 0040 3860 / Passcode: SS123
Add this meeting to your calendar.
The Staff Senate collected questions in advance for consideration. We will accept live questions, time permitting.
The Staff Senate represents all classified and non-student wage employees at George Mason University. Working closely with university administration, we address concerns that have an impact on the quality of work-life for the Mason community. The work of the senate is accomplished through open and continuous communication with its constituents. Find more ways to engage with the senate before, during, and after our general meetings.
The Staff Senate May General Meeting featured guest speaker, Dr. Gregory Washington, president, George Mason University. If you missed the meeting, or would like to rewatch the session, please review the recording.
Constituent questions that were submitted but not answered due to time constraints have been submitted to the appropriate teams for response. As responses are received, they will be posted here.
Role: As Risk Control Manager at George Mason University, I oversee the Accident Incident and Programs, Events, and Camps (PEC) programs and serve as the International Travel Action Officer for the University Travel Advisory Committee (UTAC), ensuring compliance and safety. In addition, I support the administration of the Commonwealth’s Risk Management Plan and other specialty insurance programs. My responsibilities include managing certificates of insurance, providing technical oversight of risk-related databases and training platforms, and conducting claims and insurance data analysis.
Mason journey: I began my career at George Mason University in September 2011, shortly after relocating to the area with my husband, a Navy service member, and our three boys. I was first hired as a part-time administrative support staff member, and over the years, my role has evolved significantly. Each transition has offered new opportunities for growth, learning, and contribution—allowing me to build a fulfilling career while supporting the university’s mission.
Best thing about working at Mason: George Mason University has given me the opportunity to build a meaningful career—something that can be especially challenging for military spouses who relocate every few years. Beyond professional growth, what I truly love about Mason is the people. There’s a genuine sense of community among faculty, staff, and students that’s rare in corporate environments. It’s a place where collaboration, support, and belonging thrive.
Why serve on the Staff Senate: As an at-large member of the Staff Senate, I believe it is essential to ensure that the voices of staff working in remote or hybrid roles are heard and represented. These employees face unique challenges and opportunities, and I am committed to advocating for their needs, promoting inclusivity, and helping build stronger connections across our university community—regardless of physical location.
At the end of the day: I am thrilled to have been elected for a second term to the Staff Senate and plan to continue to advocate for remote/hybrid employees. I believe that, as staff, the better we support each other the better we support the institution.
The Outstanding Supervisor Award, sponsored by the Mason Staff Senate, seeks to recognize supervisors who routinely go above and beyond to provide unparalleled leadership, mentorship, and support within their departments or offices. Outstanding supervisors model and promote a positive work-life balance and strive to serve not only their departments or offices, but also their personnel.
During the Outstanding Achievement Awards ceremony on April 14, the Staff Senate will recognize two awardees for outstanding supervisor:
In addition to our two finalists, we would also like to recognize all of the outstanding supervisor nominees this year! Thank you for all you do to support your colleagues and the university!
2026 Nominees for Outstanding Supervisor:
Elizabeth Bartles
Ernest Barreto
Arne Bergquist
Rachel Cleaver
Kevin Connor
Krystal Dains
Birgit Debeerst
Elizabeth Dean
Michaela Ghosting
Jesse Guessford
Dr. Rebekah Hersch
Beverley Jackson
Kelly Keady
Jason King
Tonya Lawrence
Jason Limonta
Jenna McGwin
Robin Parker
Aliya Rinaldi
Tracy Shevlin
Korey Singleton
Amy Snyder
Julie Ta
Elizabeth Torrens
The Staff Senate April General Meeting featured guest speaker, Julie Zobel, senior vice president and chief operating officer, Administration and Operations. If you missed the meeting, or would like to rewatch the session, please review the recording.
The Office of Sustainability presented a brief recycling and Earth Month update.
Dr. Gregory Washington, president, George Mason University, has been invited as our May Staff Senate meeting guest speaker.
Wednesday, May 6
10 a.m. to noon
10 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Guest Speaker
11 a.m. to noon – General Business Meeting
Constituents are invited to attend in person at Mason Square, Hazel Hall, Room 121, or join the meeting via Zoom.
Passcode: SS123
Call in: 301-715-8592 or 267-831-0333
Meeting ID: 946 9452 3314 / Passcode: 760740
Add this meeting to my calendar.
The Staff Senate collected questions in advance for consideration. We will also be accepting live questions, time permitting.
The Staff Senate represents all classified and non-student wage employees at George Mason University. Working closely with university administration, we address concerns that have an impact on the quality of work-life for the Mason community. The work of the senate is accomplished through open and continuous communication with its constituents. Find more ways to engage with the senate before, during, and after our general meetings.
Role: In my role, I drive strategic partnerships, develop and promote programs, and support adult learners and professionals. I assist with grant proposals and contract opportunities to expand CPE offerings while ensuring programs are innovative, impactful, and aligned with both learner and organizational goals.
Mason journey: I began my journey at George Mason University in October 2022, joining the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) division under the Office of the Provost. Prior to this role, I served as a Military/Veteran Advisor at Northern Virginia Community College, where I had the privilege of supporting service members, veterans, and their families in pursuing their academic and career goals. I also worked as a High School Outreach Coordinator, building bridges between education and opportunity for students preparing to take their next steps in life. These experiences shaped my passion for access, equity, and educational advancement, which I now bring to my role at Mason.
Best thing about working at Mason: What I love most about Mason is the freedom to take initiative, lead projects independently, and deliver meaningful results that make a real impact. I also value the autonomy to innovate and shape programs that truly support learners’ growth. Mason empowers me to take ownership, drive initiatives, and see the tangible results of my efforts.
Why serve on the Staff Senate: Service has always been at the heart of my career and personal mission. Whether assisting military families, guiding students, or now helping to create pathways for professional growth through continuing education, I find joy and purpose in being able to support others. As a Business Development Specialist, I work to connect organizations and individuals with programs that strengthen workforce skills, build careers, and contribute to community development. Serving in this capacity allows me to uplift people while advancing Mason’s vision of innovation and transformation.
At the end of the day: As a Staff Senator, I believe in the power of being part of the conversation. Having a seat at the table is not only about representation but about ensuring that diverse perspectives, experiences, and needs are heard and valued. I see this role as an opportunity to be a beacon for change—bringing forward ideas that improve the staff experience and strengthen the Mason community. By working collaboratively with colleagues across the university, I aim to help shape solutions that create lasting impact for both staff and students.
The Staff Senate March General Meeting featured guest speaker, Chris Ackerman, vice president of Human Resources, and a panel of other George Mason Human Resources leaders. If you missed the meeting, or would like to rewatch the session, please review the recording.
Questions that were submitted but not answered during the meeting have been submitted to Human Resources for response. Once available, they’ll be posted here and shared in an upcoming Staff Senate newsletter.
