The success of a top tier research institution depends on a seamless, effective, and efficient infrastructure of support. The mission of Operations and Business Services (OBS) is to improve the quality of life on campus for all students and staff. OBS supports the university’s overall strategic plan by providing quality goods, innovative services and strategic business partnerships that improve value, increase student success, and enhance financial conditions.
OBS impacts everyday life on campus by providing services administered through contracts such as dining, parking, print and mail, and vending. It also oversees several campus departments like Student Centers, Mason Card, Child Development Center, and Parking and Transportation.
Director of Technology Services, Dual Report to University Life
Danny Anthes is the Director of Technology Services, Operations and Business Services, and University Life. He manages the IT planning and implementation around campus. Danny is a graduate of George Mason University.
Director of the Mason Card Office
Laura Callahan is the Director of the Mason Card Office at George Mason University overseeing the Mason ID program as well as the meal plan and Mason Money programs. Laura has worked at Mason for over 20 years. She holds a BBA degree from Eastern Kentucky University.
Director of Parking & Transportation
Josh joined George Mason University in 2005 to head the Parking & Transportation Department. Josh is responsible for overseeing the parking services contract, as well as all other areas of parking, including policy development, planning, budget, construction, and special events. As well, Josh directs the University’s transportation program, which includes shuttle operations and other means of transportation demand management (TDM). He serves on the Board of Directors of the International Parking & Mobility Institute (IPMI). He has previously served as President for the Parking Association of the Virginias (PAV) and was on the board from 2009-2020, Prior to working at Mason, Josh spent five years at California State University, Fullerton with Parking & Transportation Services and the Office of the Vice President for Administration. Josh holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Cornell University and a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of Kentucky.
Associate Director of Contracts and Special Projects
Buz Grover is the Associate Director of Contracts and Special Projects for Operations and Business Services, handling Mason’s managed print services program, mailroom, copy center, digital signage, and banking as well as ensuring Mason’s minors on campus policy is followed. A graduate of Mason, Buz is a Fellow with the Cave Research Foundation and spends much of his time outdoors.
Director of the Child Development Center
Shira Kulok is the Director of the Child Development Center, managing all aspects of Child Development Center operations. Shira joined the GMU CDC team in August of 2016. Having spent the past 12 years with international early care and education provider, Bright Horizons, nine of which she served as Center Director, Shira brings a wealth of experience and expertise in areas of child development, parent partnerships, client relations, and early childhood curriculum. Shira earned her MS.Ed in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Bank Street College of Education in New York City.
Chief Business Officer & Executive Director, Finance & Operations
Patrick McCavitt is the Chief Business Officer and Excutive Director of Finance and Operations. He manages business planning, budgeting and finances for Business Services, as well as Mason’s auxiliary business operations of third-party managed and self-operated units. Prior to Mason, he worked in banking, finance, venture capital, and asset transactions for financial services firms. Patrick graduated from William & Mary with a BA and has an MBA from the University of North Carolina, Kenan-Flagler Business School.
Executive Director of Student Centers, EagleBankArena & Event Services
Stephen Morehouse is the Excutive Director of Student Centers, EagleBank Arena, and Event Services for Operations and Business Services. He is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Student Centers facilities which comprises the Johnson Center, Sub I, and the Hub. He also manages renovations and construction for the Business Services unit and serves as the contract administrator for EagleBank Arena. Stephen graduated from Marshall University with a Bachelor of Business Administration and has a graduate certificate in Higher Education Administration from George Mason University. Stephen’s career at Mason began in 2000 with the Office of Housing and Residence Life.
Executive Director of Auxiliary Services
Pascal Petter is the Executive Director of Auxiliary Services. In this role, he manages all outsourced dining contracts on Mason’s three Northern Virginia campuses, including lease agreements with independent retail operators. In addition, he oversees the Technology Services department, the Mason Card Office, vending, and the pouring rights agreement for the division. He provides oversight of a $40M dining program, which offers 30+ dining locations spread across campus and the healthy foods vending machine, manages capital renovations, and leads all strategic initiatives for the departments. Prior to this role, he managed auxiliary operations at various higher education institutions for the past 10 years and brings more than 20 years of hospitality experience to George Mason University. Pascal holds two international Bachelor’s degrees in hotel and hospitality management and a Master of Public Management degree from Carnegie Mellon University.
Student Finance Intern, Operations & Business Services
Naser Al-Rafai’h is a Finance Student Intern. Having spent the last three years being integrated in the field of fintech, Naser has worked heavily within data analytics with small businesses optimizing business processes such as creating cash flow reports and yearly projections. He now manages the chart of accounts for the OBS department and creates the monthly FY reports providing quicker and easier access to all the different organizations. He is currently a Junior at Mason studying Computer Science and Finance. He aims to work in Quantitative Trading upon his graduation.
Associate Director of Dining Services, Operations & Business Services
Jonathan Elwell has extensive culinary background serving as Executive Chef at private clubs, stadiums and universities. Jonathan was previously the Executive Chef and General Manager of the dining operation at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, GA. Jonathan achieved the level of Certified Executive Chef through the American Culinary Federation and has won multiple medals in culinary competitions, most recently a silver medal in the NACUFS National Culinary Competition. He has assisted the culinary teams at the World Series, PGA Championship, and the Master’s Golf Tournament. In his free time, Jonathan enjoys golf, traveling, and spending time with family.
Student Video Content Creator, Operations & Business Services
Mansi Jadon is a student video content creator for Operations and Business Services. She assists with recording, editing, and creating video content for OBS’s social media channels. Mansi has four years of experience with multimedia marketing and is an undergraduate sophomore studying Information Technology and Business Marketing at Mason.
Student Graphic Designer, Operations & Business Services
Ji Hyun Lim is a student graphic designer for Operations and Business Services. She assists with print and digital collateral design for OBS units and closely works with marketing and graphic design specialist on creating cohesive brand identities for OBS and shopMason brands. Ji has a bachelor’s degree in fine art and is pursuing B.F.A. in graphic design at Mason.
Associate Director of Marketing and Communications
Aliya Rinaldi is the Associate Director of Marketing and Communications and is responsible for creating and implementing department-wide marketing initiatives that promote our goods and services to campus and beyond. Working collaboratively with all units within Operations and Business Services, Aliya oversees the division’s web presence, social media channels, publications, and print collateral as well as departmental events and community-driven programs that highlight local businesses in and around Northern Virginia. Aliya graduated from Christopher Newport University with a degree in Communication Studies and a minor in Journalism. In her free time, Aliya enjoys spending time with her family, cycling, traveling, and cooking.
Marketing & Graphic Design Specialist
Nelcy Rocha Meneses is the Marketing and Graphic Design Specialist. She is responsible for creating engaging graphics and content for both print and digital collateral for all the units within the Operations and Business Services. Nelcy enjoys using her skills to contribute to the fast-paced environment of digital marketing and designing content to encourage interests in the operational, services, and retail units. Nelcy graduated from George Mason University’s School of Business with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing. Outside of the office, Nelcy enjoys discovering nearby trails and is a stationery enthusiast.”
Senior Budget Analyst
Feza Menzilcioglu is a Senior Budget Analyst and assists in managing the budget development process and financial reporting for Operations and Business Services and its units (self-operating and/or third party-managed). Prior to joining Mason, she was a Budget Analyst for the UN Foundation and a grants accountant at INOVA Health System. Feza graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelor and Master’s degrees in accounting.
Web & Digital Content Manager
Zi Wang serves as the Web & Digital Content Manager and manages the web presence for all the units within Operations and Business Services Her key responsibilities include strengthening OBS’s branding and visibility through creative web content development, generating web traffic, maintaining functional and reliable web platforms, and enhancing user experience. Zi is specialized in marketing and communications in higher education and previously worked in University Communications at Shepherd University. She has a bachelor’s degree in public relations and political science and is pursuing her MBA at Mason.
Associate Director for Finance and Internal Controls
Debbie Williams is the Associate Director for Finance and Internal Controls. She manages the budget development and process, financial reporting, and internal controls for Operations and Business Services and its units, which are self-operating and/or third party-managed. Most of her career is at Mason; she previously worked in Finance and Planning, the Budget Office, and the President’s Office. Debbie earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from The College of William and Mary and an MBA from George Mason University.
General Manager, EagleBank Arena
Eric Cuthbertson has over 30 years of live entertainment and venue management experience. Prior to arriving in Fairfax, Cuthbertson spent nearly 10 years in greater China with AEG Facilities opening new arenas, adapting international venue management best practices with local business customs/traditions, as well as providing design consultation services for newly planned entertainment venues/districts. Cuthbertson has spent over 10 years during his career promoting, marketing and booking shows for Feld Entertainment, producers of Disney On Ice, Feld Motor Sports, and Ringling Bros Circus. A graduate of the University of South Carolina in Sport Administration, Eric also developed a curriculum and conducted the Large Venue Management Lecture Series for 3 years at the Shanghai Theatre Academy.
Print & Mail Services Site Manager
Terry Metro is the Program Manager with Print and Mail Services. Terry is responsible for managing Mail Services, Print Services, and the Mason Print HUB and been with George Mason for the last five years. Terry has over 31 years of experience in the printing and mailing industry.
Mason Dining District Manager
John Teeple is the District Manager for Sodexo and oversees Dining Services at George Mason University.
Executive Director of Business Partnerships & Licensing
David C. Atkins is the Executive Director of Business Partnerships and Licensing at George Mason University where he is responsible for negotiating and administering contracts associated with trademark licensing, campus bookstores, technology store, beverage pouring rights, snack vending, and retail banking valued in excess of $50 million. David also is responsible for brand awareness in the retail environment and division-wide marketing, as well as the administration of the award-winning town-gown relations program, Patriot Perks. Prior to this role, he has led student center and housing departments at Mason and the University of Maryland at Baltimore, respectively. David holds a Bachelor’s degree from George Mason University and a Master’s degree from Howard University.
Bookstore General Manager
Jack Smith has been the general manager for the bookstores at George Mason University since 2019 and has been working with Barnes & Noble College since 1993. Previously, Jack started as the assistant manager of the bookstore at the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College and also served as the store manager of the Loudoun and Annandale campus stores.
