Gloriana Wills, Senior Producer/Director and Production Coordinator

Gloriana joined Mason and GMU-TV in March of 2016. In her dual role as the Senior Producer/Director and Production Coordinator, Gloriana is responsible for conceptualizing, final scripting, directing, shooting, and editing assigned GMU-TV productions, as well as for developing new program ideas. Gloriana also coordinates functions relating to physical facilities of the television studio, including scheduling of space, crews, and equipment. She works closely with the General Manager to plan and supervise television production activities including production budget, personnel, and equipment.

Colleagues have said, “Gloriana frequently goes above and beyond what is asked of her, bringing GMU-TV's profile to a whole new level.” “Gloriana is a true collaborator and has a 'yes and' attitude that both inspires and generates energy for all who work beside her.” “She is a tremendous asset to Mason, and well-deserving of this recognition.” “I would work with Gloriana again in a heartbeat!”

Congratulations to Gloriana for being the December 2018 ITS Employee of the Month!

Elizabeth (Liz) Boyen, Applications Analyst

Liz began working at Mason in April of 1989 working for University Libraries. In 2002, Liz transitioned to her current role of Application Analyst with ITS, where she provides primary technical support to ensure the reliability, integrity, accessibility, and usability of Mason’s Ellucian Banner Administrative Applications. Liz also supports users in diagnosing and resolving production problems with software while providing custom application and integration support using advanced programming techniques and tools.

Colleagues have said, “Liz is quick to research possible solutions to identify alternative recommendations that may help to resolve a problem, as well as to suggest options for improving processes and code.” “Liz looks at ways to assist the university as a whole.” “I’m always glad when Liz’s name is associated with a project because I know I’ll get A+ support.”

Congratulations to Liz for being the November 2018 ITS Employee of the Month!

Ryan Sakai, Advanced Desktop Application Administrator

Ryan began working at Mason in March of 2013 as Computer Desktop Manager for the Volgenau School of Engineering. In August of 2016, Ryan transitioned over to ITS, joining the Advanced Desktop Technologies team, where he is actively involved with all projects related to researching and resolving advanced trouble tickets, as well as documenting and creating related training solutions. Ryan is also responsible for the delivery of software to customers enrolled in desktop management solutions like SCCM.

Colleagues have said, “Ryan has consistently been willing to go the ‘extra mile’ to resolve problems!” “He understands time spent solving problems saves more time by eliminating what could be a larger issue later if a solution is delayed.” “Ryan has consistently shown himself to be extremely helpful and dedicated to keeping the university running properly!” “Ryan is a wonderful asset to ITS, ADT and George Mason University as a whole.”

Congratulations to Ryan for being the October 2018 ITS Employee of the Month!

Troy Powers, Classroom Support Technician

Troy began working at Mason in May 2012 as a student painter. In June of 2012 he moved to ITS as a student wage with Classroom Support Tech – Fairfax, and then In March of 2014, moved to his current full-time position with Classroom Support. In this role, Troy provides technical support to faculty and students within learning and teaching facilities supported by Classroom and Lab Support (CaLT) on the Fairfax Campus. In addition to providing technical assistance to customers, Troy also provides ad-hoc training and performs routine maintenance, installation, replacement, and support for integrated and user-provided instructional technology.

Colleagues have said, “Troy continues go beyond his duties to ensure customer service.” “He is a fount of knowledge, encouragement, and positive energy. I wish I could bottle his energy and sell it – I'd get rich!” “Troy is a living embodiment of ‘IT-as-a-Service’ and has a no-nonsense approach that helps keep us on track.”

Congratulations to Troy for being the September 2018 ITS Employee of the Month!

Mary Lulis, Senior Applications Analyst

Mary began working at Mason in October 2009 with the Office of Sponsored Programs. In June 2011, Mary moved to her current position with the Administrative Applications & Integration team, serving as Senior Application Analyst. In this role, Mary provides primary technical support to ensure the reliability, integrity, accessibility and usability of George Mason University’s Ellucian Banner Administrative Applications that support the mission-critical business functions of the university. In this capacity, Mary supports users in diagnosing and resolving production problems with software and provides custom application and integration support using advanced programming techniques and tools. As a Senior Application Analyst, Mary acts as the lead technical solutions architect for the group and mentors other staff on advanced techniques.

Colleagues have said, “Mary is the gold standard for our team.” “Mary is calm in the face of the storm. She is able to analyze difficult problems, and help find solutions.” “Mary is passionate about her work and she is always learning new technologies to stay well prepared, which results in superior performance.”

Congratulations to Mary for being the August 2018 ITS Employee of the Month!

Aref Zahed, Arlington Classroom Support Lead Technician

Aref began working at Mason in January 2013 as a non-student wage employee with Classroom Support for both the Arlington and Sci Tech campuses. In February 2014, Aref moved into his current, full-time position with Classroom Support serving as a Lead Technician. In this role, Aref is responsible for providing technical support to faculty and students within learning and teaching facilities supported by Classroom and Lab Technologies (CaLT), supports presentation systems and technology for events in specific spaces on the Arlington Campus, provides coverage and runs the daily operation of the unit by taking on the managerial duties and responsibilities when the manager for the regional campuses is not on site.

Colleagues have said, “Aref consistently goes above and beyond to make sure Technology in the classrooms are up and running by spending extra time and putting in extra efforts to resolve the issues.” “Aref focuses on customer service.” “Aref leads by example and is always trying to look for a more efficient solution, better service, or a better way to provide service.” “Great outcomes for his customers is his priority above all else.”

Congratulations to Aref for being the July 2018 ITS Employee of the Month!

Devin Bist, Network Engineer

Devin began working at Mason in May 2015 as a student wage employee with Network Operations. In February 2017, Devin moved into his current, full-time position with Network Operations serving as a Network Engineer. In this role, Devin is responsible for installation, support, and maintenance of hardware and software infrastructure, including routers, Wi-Fi controllers, firewalls, VPN creation, etc., according to best practices.

Colleagues have said, “Devin always shows a willingness to help customers and this often includes responding to complex issues that involve a lot of troubleshooting.” “Devin is the standard of excellence in regards to Network Engineering. His potential, insatiable thirst for knowledge, and drive, are unmatched in not only the ITS organization, but by anyone I have encountered in my 10 years in Networking.”

Congratulations to Devin for being the June 2018 ITS Employee of the Month!

Pam Thomson, ITS HR Liaison

Pam began working at Mason in August 2007 as a wage employee with University Libraries, which at the time was part of ITS (formerly ITU). In March 2008, Pam moved into a full-time role serving as Personnel/Administrative Specialist, the position she still holds today, but in an expanded capacity and now under the new title of ITS HR Liaison. In this role, Pam serves as the primary link between ITS and central Human Resources (HR) & Payroll, providing HR support to ITS on a variety of complex, on-going activities, special projects, services and outreach initiatives.

Colleagues have said, “Pam is an advocate for ITS.” “She is always providing excellent customer service, efficiently managing [job] searches, and looking for solutions to problems.” “Pam is a giver – she gives of her time, her energy, her positive attitude. She constantly goes above and beyond to ensure ITS is staffed, well-represented, and poised for success.” “People who work behind the scenes tend to hide in the shadow of other’s achievements. This is her time to shine!”

As further testament to her incredible work ethic and reputation, it should be noted that Pam was awarded the Mason Exceptional Support Award in November 2016; this is her second time being awarded as the ITS (formerly ITU) Employee of the Month; and in July 2010, she held the high honor of Mason Employee of the Month.

Congratulations to Pam for being the May 2018 ITS Employee of the Month!

Khoi Nguyen, Application Analyst

Khoi has held the position of Application Analyst since 1999, providing primary technical support to ensure the reliability, integrity, accessibility and usability, of Mason’s Ellucian Banner Administrative Applications that support the mission-critical business functions of the university. In this capacity, Khoi supports users in diagnosing and resolving production problems with software and provides custom application and integration support using advanced programming techniques and tools.

Colleagues have said, “Khoi is very skilled technically, and handles many of the most complicated, technically challenging requests on our team.” “He has an unruffled personality and a calm, easygoing manner, which contributes to a tranquil work environment.” “He is a great asset and resource to our team.”

Congratulations to Khoi for being the April ITS Employee of the Month!

LeAnn Pittman, AV Engineer/Project Manager

LeAnn began working at Mason in August 2000 in a full-time capacity as then, Equipment/Application Specialist. Her role continues to evolve and has resulted in the need to be flexible, oftentimes wearing many different hats (not just of the construction variety) to meet the ever-changing demands on work related to numerous construction projects across campus that directly impact learning space design. LeAnn is responsible for coordinating and implementing classroom design projects to include new construction, renovations, and technology refreshes. Some of these include non-traditional environments, specialized labs, and other customizable requirements that are not readily classified. LeAnn ensures successful outcomes through ongoing collaboration with an extensive range of internal and external contributors.

Colleagues have said, “LeAnn is a hard worker and puts 100 percent into any project she undertakes.” “She is a true team player who understands a project's objectives and priorities and is a key contributor to its success.”

As further testament to LeAnn’s incredible work ethic and reputation, it should be noted that this is her third time being awarded as the ITS (formerly ITU) Employee of the Month, and also previously as the Mason Employee of the Month.

Congratulations to LeAnn for being the March 2018 ITS Employee of the Month!

Lori Polnow, Senior Database Analyst

Lori began working at Mason in 1998 as a non-student wage in IT before transitioning to a full-time role as Database Analyst in 2011. In 2014, Lori was promoted to her current position as Senior Database Analyst, under the Database, Middleware & ERP Support group in Enterprise Applications. In this role, Lori assists with database support as it pertains to developing and implementing policies and procedures governing security and access authorization. She also develops and maintains backup, recovery and restart procedures, develops automated tools to monitor database performance, and tunes databases for optimum operating efficiency.

Colleagues have said, “Lori is an excellent source of wisdom. Many people across campus know to contact her to get their questions answered correctly the first time.” “Lori is an overall great colleague. She is always friendly, helpful, and eager to jump in and solve problems. She is an asset to ITS and to Mason!”

Congratulations to Lori for being the February 2018 ITS Employee of the Month!

Lisa Carr, Senior Email Systems Administrator

Lisa began working at Mason as a student wage in IT before transitioning to a full-time role as Email Account Administrator, where she was later promoted to her current position as Senior Email Systems Administrator, under the Enterprise Servers & Messaging group. In this role, Lisa assists with problem resolution that requires in-depth technical knowledge as it pertains to the core components of the University's email, messaging infrastructure, and accounts management systems.

Congratulations to Lisa for being the January 2018 ITS Employee of the Month!