i3 Assembly

Joining George Mason in 2000, Julie began as a health and safety engineer focused on chemical, biological, and radiation safety for George Mason’s instructional and research laboratories, serving in an escalating progression of leadership roles before becoming George Mason’s first chief risk officer in February 2024. Zobel provided operational stewardship of the university’s response to COVID-19, for which George Mason was recognized as a national leader in pandemic management. She also served as interim SVP beginning in August 2024 and was selected for this new role in April 2025 following a nationwide search.

Julie leads the newly formed Administration and Operations division, which includes:

• Facilities and Campus Operations; 
• Information Technology Services; 
• Auxiliary and Business Services; 
• Risk, Safety, and Resilience; 
• Enterprise Risk Management; 
• Operational Finance and Enterprise Governance; and
• Capital Strategy and Planning.

Amy works in the Office of Health Benefits within the Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) and enjoys bringing CommonHealth wellness topics to state agencies. She graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science/Health Education and a Master’s Degree in Community Health Education. Amy earned her Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) designation and her strong clinical background comes from experience with three health systems (Winchester, Manassas and Warrenton). Her career with CommonHealth began in 2010 and she has always served the Northern Virginia region. Amy is also a nationally certified group exercise instructor and currently teaches several class formats at the Freedom Aquatic and Fitness Center located on the Manassas campus of George Mason University.

Stacey Ellis, M.Ed., MS, SHRM-CP, serves as the Faculty and Staff Engagement Program Manager at George Mason University, where she leads initiatives that foster workplace culture, well-being, recognition, and engagement. With a diverse background in higher education and human resources, Stacey designs programs that align with strategic priorities and enhance the employee experience. Her work includes overseeing flexible work programs, planning large-scale recognition and engagement events, supporting and developing employee resource groups, driving action planning through the Faculty and Staff Experience Survey, facilitating professional development, and more. Stacey has over 15 years of leadership experience across academic and HR settings. 

John Edwards, P.E., CFM, FMP, is CEO of FEA, a Fairfax-based small business that supports clients with facility and asset strategic planning, organizational evaluations, business process improvements, and technology implementation. His experience in facilities management includes a 24-year career as a U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps Officer, service as a Senior Analyst with the U.S. Government Accountability Office, and numerous consulting engagements with facilities organizations. He has written and presented for industry associations such as the National Association of State Facilities Administrators (NASFA), the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), and APPA: Leadership in Educational Facilities.  He is a certified instructor in IFMA’s Facility Management Professional (FMP) certificate program and has delivered this course as an Adjunct Faculty member for George Mason University’s Continuing & Professional Education program.