Facilities

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December 2025 F&CO Employee of the Month – Mirwais Safi

Celebrating Mirwais Safi as the December 2025 Employee of the Month!

Congratulations to Mirwais Safi, Construction Field Representative, for being recognized as the December 2025 Facilities & Campus Operations (F&CO) Employee of the Month! Safi was nominated by Cathy Pinskey, Capital Program Director. In addition to this nomination, Safi has received multiple nominations and letters of support for one of George Mason’s 2025 Outstanding Achievement Awards from members of F&CO leadership and university partners. 

As a careful steward of our physical facilities and sole inspector of the Fuse building, Safi has played an invaluable role in ensuring its safe construction and opening. Located at the Mason Square campus, Fuse has become George Mason's largest and most innovative facility to date, housing STEM-related research & design labs, innovation centers, state-of-the-art smart and green building technologies, and more.  

“Mirwais is a dedicated worker who goes ‘the extra mile’ and then some, ” said Christy Hogan, Sr. Director of University Asset Management.  “His dedication to George Mason University and knowledge as the subject matter expert on codes and construction compliance has helped to ensure that we are receiving a high-quality, high-performing building.” 

Since joining the Fuse project in 2022, Safi’s commitment to safety and close attention to detail has resulted in over 2,200 contract compliance inspections, working tirelessly to ensure quality assurance. Consistently going above and beyond, in addition to his typical duties during the project, Safi had also taken the role of overseeing, reviewing, and scheduling on-site work for 3rd-party inspectors. He’s also further utilized his excellent leadership skills to mentor contract field engineers and engineering interns.  

“His knowledge and expertise of code requirements and construction practices have been instrumental in keeping this project on budget and on schedule while ensuring we receive a quality building,” said Frank Strike, VP, F&CO.  “Mirwais is an exceptionally talented professional, a person of great integrity who always accepts and excels at his work each and every day.” 

His strong values in education also led him to seek additional certifications and training, recently passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, and he is a step closer to obtaining his Professional Engineering (PE) license. For these reasons, “It is without hesitation that I nominate Mirwais for this Employee of the Month Award,” said Pinskey, “Mirwais is an invaluable employee in the Facilities Organization at George Mason University.”  

Winners! 2025 Facilities & Campus Operations Team Member Awards

Facilities & Campus Operations (F&CO) is launching annual awards to celebrate many of our exceptional team members within this division.

F&CO leadership and the Culture Champion Committee have partnered on this initiative and are excited to present the annual awards listed below.  All F&CO team members, and those outside the division, are encouraged to nominate their peers for future awards. Congratulations to the following award winners:

Team Member Awards:

  • Facilities Management Operations
    • Frank Pierpoint, Plumber, Zone 2
    • Epifanio Escamilla, General Maintenance Tech II, Zone 2
    • Jose Vargas, General Maintenance Tech II, Zone 4
    • Gordon Maginness, HVAC Tech I
  • Facilities Services
    • Keith ”Wally” Wallace, General Services Supervisor
  • Regional Campuses
    • Amanda Parnell, Mason Square Operations Manager
  • Business Services and Facilities Administration
    • Colleen Regan, Zero Waste Mason Program Manager
  • Planning, Design, and Construction
    • Jennifer Gantt, Project & Relocation Coordinator
  • Janitorial Services
    • Martha Rodriguez, Housekeeper
  • Rookie of the Year
    • Danielle Busch, Scheduling and Event Manager
  • Wage Employee
    • Audrey Kwakye, Communications & Marketing Administrator
    • Robert Kupczak, Gardens Coordinator
    • Demin Zhu, Patriot Green Fund Coordinator
    • Matt Gaines, Scheduling and Event Coordinator

Supervisor of the Year

  • Juma Handon, Zone 4 Supervisor

Culture Champion of the Year

  • Jason Reed, Electrician II, Zone 4

Innovation 

  • Tan Nguyen, Waste/Recycling Worker

University Community Partnership 

  • Donielle “Doni” Nolan, Greenhouse & Gardens Program Manager 

Safety Champion of the Year 

  • Kevin Brim, Recycling & Waste Management Supervisor

Special Initiative / Project Team

  • Better Bins Preview
    • Ben Auger, Engagement Coordinator
    • Kevin Brim, Recycling & Waste Management Supervisor
    • Colleen Regan, Zero Waste Mason Program Manager
    • Amber Saxton, Campus Efficiency Program Manager
    • Maggie Accardo, Lead Sign Maker
    • Charlie Bobosh, Senior Sign Maker
    • John Forgy, Environmental Graphic Design Manager
    • Mike Lay, Assistant Director, Facilities Services
    • Chris Williams, Associate Director, Housekeeping
    • John Rogers, Associate Director of Housekeeping, Housing & Residence Life

Employee of the Year

  • Kevin Brim, Recycling & Waste Management Supervisor

This year, F&CO had over 180 nominations for awards. Check out some of the kudos from the nominations below:

 

F&CO Geotab Tracking Pilot Program

George Mason Facilities & Campus Operations (F&CO) is implementing a new Geotab GPS Tracking pilot program across all F&CO fleet vehicles. This pilot began December 2025. For the next six months, F&CO’s Asset Manager, Automotive teams, and Facilities IT will work with George Mason Parking and Transportation to assess the system to ensure an optimal rollout for the Mason vehicle fleet. Our goal is to launch results of the pilot and next steps Summer 2026.  

Equipping our fleet with a state-of-the-art management system transforms our campus operations, enhancing safety, efficiency, and accountability. With the integration of GPS tracking and telematics, we can gain invaluable real-time insights into vehicle locations, usage, maintenance needs, and performance. This empowers us to manage our fleet more effectively, streamlining our operations.   

With this pilot, we can make informed decisions, extend the life of our vehicles, and deliver consistent, reliable service to the George Mason community. Embracing this technology offers a brighter, more efficient future for the university.   

FAQs:

New Patio Unveiled at the Fairfax Campus Rappahannock Neighborhood

Before Photos

After Photos

The area between Piedmont and Sandbridge Hall has received a refresh! The new improvements, on the Fairfax campus of George Mason, consist of both landscape and hardscape changes in the Rappahannock neighborhood. The changes will provide additional space for student gatherings. A key feature of the new update is the new outdoor patio area, which includes: 

  • A shaded walkway  
  • Improved railing  
  • New seating 
  • Bicycle racks 
  • Lighting 

“These small projects can be easy, or difficult if they run into complications. No matter what, at the end of the day, what matters is how happy the users are with the results.” Said Brenda Claudio, Project Manager. “It is great to know from the Housing team how important it is for them that this project is completed and that it can now be enjoyed by students. The patio is for them, and it looks beautiful.”  

With support from the Facilities & Campus Operations (F&CO) Facilities Management Grounds team, additional landscaping was also done on the walkway between Sandbridge and Dominion Hall to further improve aesthetics and deter foot traffic from bypassing the use of nearby stairs. 

“I am thankful for our partnership with Facilities to create this beautiful outdoor space for our residents.” Said Shannon Jordan, Associate Dean and Chief Housing Officer. “It is projects like this that help our students feel a stronger sense of community and connection to where they live.” Since completion, students have already been spotted enjoying the new space to study and socialize. 

November 2025 F&CO Employee of the Month – Zhongyan Xu

Celebrating Zhongyan Xu as the November 2025 Employee of the Month! 

Congratulations to Zhongyan (Jane) Xu, Land Development Manager, for being recognized as the November 2025 Facilities & Campus Operations (F&CO) Employee of the Month! Xu was nominated by Brenda Claudio, Project Manager. 

Xu’s passion and over 10 years of expertise in her position have played an instrumental role in the recent successful audit of the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Program held by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The extensive permit program is designed to address the unique challenges associated with urban and suburban areas, where stormwater can pick up pollutants from various sources and eventually discharge into local water bodies.  

Despite the critical staffing shortages on her team until recently, Xu has successfully managed the program to support and improve the waterways on the Fairfax campus.  

“Her passion for stormwater management is evident, and she is always working hard to ensure the University is in compliance with the Virginia Stormwater program,” said Claudio. “We should recognize her hard work and efforts.” 

Click here to learn more about the recent MS4 Program Audit! 

Interested in submitting a George Mason Facilities & Campus Operations Employee of the Month nomination? Check out the new process here! 

George Mason University Published in Guide to Green Colleges for 16th Consecutive Year

For the 16th consecutive year, George Mason University has been featured in the Princeton Review's guide to green colleges list! This list highlights universities nationwide based on their sustainable programs, policies, and practices. The criteria for inclusion are based on several factors, including community feedback; however, a university's comprehensive reporting through the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s (AASHE) STARS framework remains key to making the list. George Mason University, a member of AASHE, was the first university in Virginia to receive a Gold rating from AASHE STARS. Since achieving this distinction in 2014, the university has maintained four consecutive Gold ratings.

The Princeton Review recognized George Mason University for having a dedicated University Sustainability office, under Facilities and Campus Operations, and for having several sustainable initiatives, such as transportation programs including Commuter Choice, Car/Vanpool, free Mason Shuttles, telecommuting, and additional bike-friendly initiatives. George Mason also received high marks for improvements in waste reduction and diversion rates since 2020. This includes doubling its composting tonnage from Dining partners to over 125 tons per year, reducing single-use plastics purchasing by 50%, adding glass recycling initiatives, and recycling/donating over 90% of its construction and demolition waste during that period. 

Other points were received for constructing all buildings on George Mason’s campuses to LEED Silver or higher levels, including Fuse, a LEED Platinum building at Mason Square with state-of-the-art smart and green building technologies. Finally, George Mason received credit for not only having an environmental studies major and sustainability-focused coursework, but also sustainability learning outcomes – building a culture of sustainability by placing a high value on experiential learning at campus sustainability sites like the President’s Park Greenhouse, sustainability-aligned research in classrooms, labs, and George Mason Living Lab sites.

October 2025 F&CO Employee of the Month – Robert Salguero

Celebrating Robert Salguero as the October 2025 Employee of the Month

Congratulations to Robert Salguero, 2nd Shift Automotive Repair Technician, for being recognized as the October 2025 Facilities & Campus Operations (F&CO) Employee of the Month! Salguero was nominated by J. Scott Lester, Automotive Shop Supervisor. 

In addition to performing his regular duties of inspections and repairs, Salguero plays a critical role in maintaining the overnight police vehicles and responding to urgent repairs in the evening, including jump starts, towing broken golf carts, and repairing flat tires. In a recent incident involving a dining vehicle, Salguero responded swiftly and efficiently by reporting it to the campus police department, coordinating with a towing company to safely remove the vehicle, and documenting the incident to his supervisor with photos.

Despite his humility, his work ethic has not gone unnoticed within F&CO or our fellow Patriots, especially with his strong and positive relationship with our campus police department. “Going above and beyond is just who he is, never bringing attention to himself or anything he does.” Said Lester. “He exemplifies a strong and committed community.”

Interested in submitting a George Mason Facilities & Campus Operations Employee of the Month nomination? Check out the new process here!

F&CO Fall Prep 2025

During the summer months, in preparation for the start of the fall semester, George Mason Facilities & Campus Operations (F&CO) runs through an extensive checklist to get all campuses ready. From landscaping upkeep to classroom refreshes to updating signage, F&CO ensures that each experience on campus is one of quality. Below are just some examples of how F&CO handles the operations of making George Mason University run smoothly.

September 2025 F&CO Employee of the Month – Kevin Brim

 

 

 

Special shoutout to all wage and classified staff members of the Waste/Recycling team! Your support has played a significant role in Kevin being able to achieve what he has.

Celebrating Kevin Brim as the September 2025 Employee of the Month

Congratulations to Kevin Brim, Waste/Recycling Supervisor, for being recognized as the September 2025 Facilities & Campus Operations (F&CO) Employee of the Month! Brim was nominated by Gordon Landsdown, Zone 3 Supervisor, and Angel Washington, Customer Service Supervisor.

Constantly going above and beyond his duties, Brim has exemplified the spirit of environmental stewardship across our campuses by finding ways to reduce waste and promote sustainable practices. He's played an important role in shaping university-wide waste reduction strategies, and his contributions have resulted in notable improvements in our sustainability metrics. “Kevin’s innovative approach, steady leadership, and deep commitment to environmental progress make him not only a valuable asset to the university but also a role model for anyone seeking to make a meaningful impact.” Said Washington.

In addition to his unwavering commitment to day-to-day operations, he has also fostered a supportive workplace culture rooted in accountability and integrity. His and his team's efforts are felt not only within the F&CO complex, but throughout George Mason University as a whole.

Interested in submitting a George Mason Facilities & Campus Operations Employee of the Month nomination? Check out the new process here!

2025 MS4 Program Audit

Congratulations to George Mason Facilities & Campus Operations’ (F&CO) very own Land Development team for a successful audit held by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Program. The MS4 permit program is designed to address the unique challenges associated with urban and suburban areas, where stormwater can pick up pollutants from various sources and ultimately discharge into local water bodies. Beginning in 2008, the MS4 program at George Mason University has protected the quality of our stormwater runoff and Best Management Practices (BMPs) across the Fairfax and SciTech campuses. 

The DEQ issues two types of MS4 permits, General and Individual permits. General Permits are issued to general discharges and have standardized requirements.  Individual permits are customized for the specific needs and conditions of the site. Under the general permit, F&CO’s Land Development team implements, and enforces the MS4 program to follow these 6 minimum control measures: 

  • Public Education & Outreach on Stormwater Impacts 
  • Public Involvement and Participation 
  • Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination 
  • Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control 
  • Post-construction Stormwater Management in New Development and Redevelopment 
  • Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations 

Despite critical staffing shortages, Zhongyan (Jane) Xu, Land Development Manager, has been able to successfully manage the MS4 Program.  

“Our MS4 program is really a team effort across the board, it involves Facilities Administration, Facilities Maintenance, University Sustainability, and students.” said Xu. “I think students are a very important part of this and it's where we’re very unique.” 

“I really enjoyed being part of the outreach activities where the students and the community had the chance to prepare a mini rain garden and take them home as a souvenir.” Said Brenda Claudio, Project Manager. “Students were explained about the SWM facilities and how they work removing pollutants for water quality and provide storage for water quantity at sites. By doing mini rain gardens the students were exposed to visualize how the raingardens operate.” 

The 40-page audit consisted of 155 notes with only one minor correction item due for completion mid-August 2025.