Mason Staff Senate

Group: Fairfax Campus

Rachel Spence

Photo of Rachel Spence, Staff Senate Vice Chair
Photo of Rachel Spence, Staff Senate Vice Chair

Title: Global Education Office

Phone: 703-993-3809

Groups: Communications Committee, Chair, Fairfax Campus, Executive Committee

Position: Academic Manager

Current Department: International Enrollment Partnerships, Global Education Office

Joined Mason in 2017.

I love working at Mason because we’re truly a university devoted to access and equity.

Joined the Staff Senate in 2022.

I joined the Staff Senate because, as a fully remote employee working from California from 2021-2024, I wanted to make sure that the needs and voices of all of Mason’s staff working worldwide were heard and represented by the Staff Senate. I’m now back on campus and ready to represent the Fairfax campus in-person!

Profile of a Senator: Rachel Spence (December 2022)

April Lopez

April Lopez, Staff Senator.

Title: Division of Special Education and disAbility Research

Phone: 703-993-4172

Groups: Communications Committee, Fairfax Campus, Executive Committee

Position: Administrative Assistant to the Director

Current Department: Division of Special Education and disAbility Research, College of Education and Human Development

Joined Mason in: 2019

I love working at Mason because of the diversity of voices all working in their own way towards a common goal of continually advancing the university. At Mason, the whole is definitely greater than the sum of the parts!

I joined the Staff Senate because I wanted to broaden my knowledge of the workings of the institution, to advocate for my colleagues throughout the university, and to collaborate with other senators and others across the campuses to work for the benefit of the whole of Mason.

Profile of a Senator: April Lopez (April 2023)

Melissa Hallman

Melissa Hallman. Photo by: Creative Services/ George Mason University

Title: Fiscal Services

Phone: 703-993-1357

Groups: Awards and Engagement Committee, Fairfax Campus, Executive Committee

Position: HR Specialist & Liaison

Current Department: Fiscal Services

Previous Departments I have worked for: College of Science, Geography and Geoinformation Science

Joined Mason in: April 2021

I love working at Mason because: on my very first day, it was apparent to me that Mason cares about its people, even if it isn’t always great at communicating it.

I joined the Staff Senate because: I want to be an agent for change and ensure the most equitable and inclusive work environment for all Mason staff. Mason has so much potential, and I want to ensure that staff are a part of the great things to come.

Profile of a Senator: Melissa Hallman (January 2023)

Susan Brionez

Susan Brionez
Susan Brionez

Title: School of Dance

Phone: 703-993-1114

Groups: Events Committee, Fairfax Campus

Position: Office Manager

Current Department: School of Dance, College of Visual and Performing Arts

Susan has been at Mason for nearly fifteen years.  After 13+ years as Assistant to the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs/Office Manager in the Volgenau School of Engineering, Susan transitioned to the artistic side of higher education. Using her well-honed skills, she provides organizational, administrative, and programmatic support to the academic and production activities of the School of Dance. Susan takes pride in helping to create and maintain a pleasant work environment, communicating with families, students and faculty, and assisting in the smooth day-to-day functioning of the School of Dance. Recently, Susan was nominated and chosen as a Mason Kindness Ambassador, and recognized for compassion, enthusiasm, positive words and actions, and joy in helping others. Susan is a Staff Senator because she enjoys collaborating with other senators to work for the benefit of all Mason staff.

Profile of a Senator: Susan Brionez (March 2023)

Matthew Berlejung

Title: Information Technology Services

Groups: Communications Committee, Fairfax Campus

Position Title: Videoconference Engineering

Current Department: Enterprise Collaboration, Information Technology Services

Joined Mason in February 2006

I love Mason because it enables the local community, current students, active employees, alumni, and retirees to engage with each other in meaningful ways. From the Ombudsperson to the Board of Visitors, all of us are involved in a collective vision of the future.

I joined Staff Senate in 2020 because I want to make a larger difference at Mason.

Matthew is currently serving on the Staff Senate Events Committee.

Profile of a Senator: Matthew Berlejung (November 2020)

Anthony DeMaio

Title: Dean's Office, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Groups: Events Committee, Fairfax Campus, Executive Committee

Position Title: Post Award Research Administrator

Current Department: Dean’s Office, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Previous Departments (if applicable): Undergraduate Education

Joined Mason in 2017

I love Mason because of its commitment to academic excellence through research, community engagement, and entrepreneurship.

I joined Staff Senate in 2020.

I joined the Staff Senate because I want to represent the interests of staff employees across all units. I have been a part of several cross-campus groups and have taken away a lot of new ideas. I think that collaboration is key to making Mason an even better place to work.

Anthony serves on the Staff Senate Events Committee.

Profile of a Senator: Anthony DeMaio (August 2021)