Congratulations to the December ITS Employee of the Month, One ITS! Thank you to
everyone for your resiliency and hard work this year.

Mark Craft

Mark joined Mason in 2007 as a Computer Systems Engineer and just one year later was promoted to Senior Technology Advisor. In 2012, he was promoted to Manager of Engineering and Architectural Support followed by his next role of Manager of the Server Support Group in 2014. The following year, Mark decided to leave Mason to explore other career opportunities. But luckily for us, Mark decided to return to Mason in 2017 after securing the role of Cloud Virtualization and Storage Architect. In this capacity, Mark provides technical leadership, architectural support, system administration, troubleshooting, system integration, research, and analysis for systems supported by ITS. He is responsible for infrastructure design, implementation, and maintenance of cloud, virtualization, and storage technologies.

Colleagues have said, “Mark is a reliable and dependable team member and will do whatever it takes to ensure the success of the project and the team.” “Mark is in a role that ties many different technologies, especially from the networking and system engineering side, and his ability to fuse these two technologies and roles together has been instrumental in bringing about a lot of change. “Mark naturally commands your respect with his level-headed approach to technical leadership. In the process, he demonstrates his respect for his co-workers.”

As a further testament to Mark’s incredible work ethic and reputation, it should be noted that this is his second time being awarded as the ITS Employee of the Month, the first of which took place in January 2012.

Congratulations to Mark for being the November 2020 ITS Employee of the Month!

Kevin Gibson

Kevin joined Mason in 1996 as a Field Services Technician, a position he held for about 10 years before becoming the Lead Desktop Technician. In October 2011, Kevin was promoted again to his current role as Manager of Technical Operations, Technology Support Services Desktop Fairfax. In his capacity as manager, Kevin is responsible for the Fairfax Desktop team of 8, which provides full-service, technical support of computer hardware and software for Mason’s faculty, staff, and students on the Fairfax campus.

Colleagues have said, “Kevin has a way of making you feel your work is important, and fixing any interruption of that work is imperative to him.” “Kevin is committed to the success of his team members, ensuring they have the support they need for professional growth.” “The man has gone above and beyond not only for the Mason community but for all of us here at Desktop Support.”

As a further testament to Kevin’s incredible work ethic and reputation, it should be noted that this is his second time being awarded as the ITS Employee of the Month, the first of which took place in February 2007.

Congratulations to Kevin for being the October 2020 ITS Employee of the Month!

Ali Golkar

Ali joined Mason in January 2017 as an IT Security Office Intern and in February 2019, transitioned into the full-time position of IT Security Analyst. In his current role, Ali is responsible for compliance monitoring and alerting for Mason’s Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) environment. He leverages tools like Splunk to maintain compliance while also providing alerts on timely activity. He is a subject matter expert for various ITS project teams such as Office 365, 2FA, and Firewall Zone Cleanup. He works daily on SOC functions, endpoint device security tools, GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance), and on various engagements with external IT partners to keep Mason secured.

Colleagues have said, “Ali is passionate about the IT Security field and wants to be part of a progressive team. He is open to new ideas and never stops making suggestions about how we can improve in what we do.” “Ali is a vital contributor in keeping Mason safe and secure.” “He is able to help keep meetings focused and moving forward while allowing others’ voices and opinions to be heard.”

Congratulations to Ali on being the September 2020 ITS Employee of the Month!

Patrick Tam

Patrick joined Mason and ITS in May 2017. In his role as Desktop Support Technician, Patrick provides support to over 23,000 desktop and laptop computers across various campuses. He is responsible for the installation, troubleshooting, and repair of Mason-owned and supported computer hardware, software, smartphones, and various peripherals across multiple platforms and operating systems.

Colleagues have said, “Patrick is always willing to help with what is needed for the department. This could range from large departmental moves or covering for other techs that are out of the office.” “His presence out in the field is always welcome due to his warm nature and ability to quickly resolve issues; Patrick instills confidence.” “Patrick ensures quality service by implementing the greater ITS goals with each and every customer he interacts with.”

Congratulations to Patrick for being the August 2020 ITS Employee of the Month!

Tamika Wilks

Tamika joined Mason in September 2011 as an Administrative Assistant within Purchasing & Accounts Payable. Just a year later, Tamika moved into her current position as the ITS Accounts Payable Analyst where she is responsible for evaluating, verifying, and processing invoices for ITS purchase orders in compliance with Mason’s payment policies and procedures. In addition, Tamika maintains the data management and accuracy of all information contained in the Telecommunications billing system.

Colleagues have said, “Tamika is such a joy to work with. She makes everything so much easier and knows how to find information when I need it.” “Tamika is definitely my go-to person whenever I have a concern with vendor billing.” “It is such a wonderful experience to be around Tamika, with her winning attitude, her Mason spirit, and her exuberance.”

As a further testament to Tamika’s incredible work ethic and reputation, it should be noted that this is her second time being awarded as the ITS Employee of the Month, the first of which took place in February 2017.

Congratulations to Tamika for being the July 2020 ITS Employee of the Month!

Alex Yun

Alex joined Mason in July of 2008 as an Applications Analyst and has held several different analyst positions within ITS since his start. In 2017, Alex was promoted to his current position as a Senior Data Mart Analyst wherein he provides support to project teams in the development and implementation of data marts containing data extracted across multiple (centralized and decentralized) systems. Alex works closely with the customers to document reporting needs, develop requirements and designs for new data marts, set up pilots and demonstrations of projects in progress, code new applications, set up QA testing and production implementation plans, and support production problems.

Colleagues have said, “Alex is dependable and efficient, always able to resolve any issues quickly.” “Alex clearly understands ITS’s larger goals and priorities and is able to quickly assess whether a particular solution or proposed course of action is in alignment.” “Alex has a constant thirst for knowledge, and is a very affable and enthusiastic worker.” “He gets along very well with everyone he works with, supervisors, co-workers, clients, and members of other teams in ITS.” “Alex doesn't just give you the solution to a problem. He also walks you through the problem to help you understand how he got to the solution so that you don't repeat the same mistake.”

Congratulations to Alex for being the June 2020 ITS Employee of the Month!

Anthony Wilson

Anthony joined Mason in May of 2004 with the Telecom Admin team. He is responsible for helping to maintain the university’s telecommunications services and applications like the PBX phone system, call center, and voice mail, and also works on unified communications system administration, application programming, configuration, training, and trouble resolution. Anthony provides customer support, coordination, and administrative project coordination for special projects in conjunction with university-mandated move projects, and new building end-user telephony implementation design requirements. As a member of the Telecom Admin team, he is also responsible for telephony ticket triage, which includes project coordination, technical customer consultations, needs analysis and assessments, problem resolution and recommendations.

Colleagues have said, “Anthony excels at organizing and establishing goals and gives more than the 100% required.” “He's a team player, a professional and compassionate person, and is always willing to hear others out.” “Anthony explains the ‘why’ behind a project and what it means for the future of the university, not just for Telecom.” “Besides being knowledgeable and helpful in his role, Anthony always has a positive attitude and/or smile on his face whenever I see him or speak to him on the phone.”

Congratulations to Anthony for being the May 2020 ITS Employee of the Month!

Andie Powell

Andie joined Mason and the IT Portfolio and Project Management team in March of 2019. In her role as IT Project Manager, Andie leads IT projects and develops, fosters, and maintains business relationships with project stakeholders and ITS customers across the university. She assists customers with understanding the IT Project Management Framework and related business processes to ensure projects are managed efficiently. Andie also acts as a liaison to the ITS organization, assisting with capturing portfolio and project lifecycle information using project templates, monitoring the progress and deliverables in the IT Project portfolio, preparing communications, and assisting ITS Portfolio Owners.

Colleagues have said, “Andie's objective, calm and organized approach to her work, combined with her communication skills and respect for others, have made her quickly become a valued member of the ITS and Mason organizations!” “Andie's PM game is always on point. Everyone is yet to figure out the source of her magic.” “Andie is fantastic in working with others, her positive goal-driven approach inspires teamwork and project success!”

Congratulations to Andie for being the April 2020 ITS Employee of the Month!

Pam Thomson

Pam began working at Mason in August 2007 as a wage employee with the University Libraries, which at the time was part of ITS. 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, ongoing activities, special projects, services, and outreach initiatives. She also provides coordination and support to the Deputy CIO and the CIO for all HR activities within ITS.

Colleagues have said, “Pam cares deeply about Mason, ITS, each team within ITS, and each and every one of us as individuals.” “Pam owns our HR processes. She holds herself and ALL of ITS to the HR standards regarding privacy, equity and professionalism.” “Pam is peerless in her integrity and teamwork, and is consistently seeking innovative solutions.” “Pam recognizes the need for a balanced workforce and helps us achieve that common goal. She is precise, timely, and thoroughly professional.”

As a further testament to Pam’s incredible work ethic and reputation, it should be noted that this is her third time being awarded as the ITS Employee of the Month, the first of which took place in December 2009 and then again in May 2018. Pam was also the Mason EOM for July 2010.

Congratulations to Pam for being the March 2020 ITS Employee of the Month!

Toni Mehrman

Toni joined Mason in April 2011 as a wage employee working as a Data Entry Technician. In August 2013, Toni transitioned into a full-time role with the ITS Finance team where she now serves as Finance Specialist. On a day-to-day basis, Toni provides financial support to all areas of ITS. She is responsible for conducting a variety of activities including preparing financial reports, coordinating annual hardware and software maintenance renewals, assisting with expenditure reconciliations, ordering equipment and other tasks associated with eVA, and serving in unique coordinating roles for ITS Finance. Toni must exercise considerable discretion and judgment within established procedures and authority.

Colleagues have said, “Toni is an exemplary communicator and passionate team player who operates with the utmost integrity.” “When a situation comes up, Toni is ready to tackle it. She never backs down or tires from helping others.” “Her positive attitude mixed with her wonderful can-do work ethic not only makes her the perfect example of being a team player, but of one leading the charge.” “If there's an ITS team event, Toni is there! Whether playing ITS cheerleader during kickball or wearing her polo proudly during orientation, Toni is invested wholeheartedly in ITS and its success.”

As a further testament to Toni’s incredible work ethic and reputation, it should be noted that this is her second time being awarded as the ITS Employee of the Month, the first of which took place in November 2016.

Congratulations to Toni for being the February 2020 ITS Employee of the Month!

Juan Laguna, TSS Desktop-SciTech Campus Lead Technical Specialist

Juan joined Mason in June of 2004 as an Arlington Wage Technician. In August of 2008, Juan transitioned into a full-time role with ITS as a TSS Desktop Support Technician and in 2013 was promoted to his current role as TSS Desktop-SciTech Campus Lead Technical Specialist. On a day-to-day basis, Juan provides quality customer service and technical support to Mason’s faculty, staff, and students on the Regional Campuses. He provides IT support and maintenance for approximately 3,000 desktop and laptop computers (including Apple and PC), for peripherals (including printers, mobile devices, tablets, scanners, etc.), for over 850 VoIP telephones, and all Mason supported software.

Colleagues have said, “Juan has a great attitude and gets high praise and remarks from his customers and co-workers.” “Juan is very easy to talk to and always interested in learning new things.” “Juan is a cornerstone leader to the SciTech Campus. #OneITS #JuanITS”

Congratulations to Juan for being the January 2020 ITS Employee of the Month!