The i3 Assembly brings our Facilities & Campus Operations (F&CO) division together to reflect, connect, and move forward with clarity and purpose. This is a moment to step back from the pace of daily work and focus on what enables our development. The information we share, the implementation that turns ideas into impact, and the innovation we pursue.
This event is designed to be both informative and interactive. A key part of the this year's i3 is the breakout sessions. These sessions allow you to tailor the experience to your interests and your role. During registration, you can sign up for sessions based on what you want to learn more about.
Registration is required and closes on June 30, 2026.
All F&CO team members are invited, and strongly encouraged, to attend.
With registration, lunch and beverages will be provided during this in-person assembly.
July 9, 2026
Dewberry Hall, Johnson Center, Fairfax Campus
Early-Bird breakout sessions - 8:00AM
Doors Open: 8:45AM
Welcome - 9:00AM
Breakout Sessions
Below is a list of the 2026 breakout session topics! Click on a breakout session title to expand and learn more about that session.
During registration, you can sign up for sessions based on what you want to learn more about. Each 45 minute session will be capped at 55 audience members. Once a session is full, team members will be unable to sign up for that specifical time slot.
Breakout Topics (click + to expand and learn more)
This session explores how Facilities & Campus Operations team members can build a strong foundation in Facilities Management and translate that knowledge into meaningful professional growth. Participants will learn about key concepts and practices used at George Mason, along with insights into how other organizations approach facilities management, offering a broader industry perspective.
The session will also highlight practical ways to apply this knowledge in day to day work, strengthening both individual performance and team impact. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of the different career paths available within George Mason, including technical, operational, and leadership tracks, and discover actionable opportunities for advancement within the organization.
Hosted by:
Tad Drerenberger, Sr. Director, Facilities Management
Brian Gilligan, Director, Facilities Management
Ronda Hetterson, Director, HR
This session provides a clear and engaging look at the full scope of Facilities Management at George Mason. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of what our organization does, as well as the important boundaries of what we do not do, helping clarify roles and expectations across campus.
Attendees will explore the wide ranging responsibilities of our teams and how each unit contributes to supporting the daily experience of students, faculty, and staff. The session will also highlight our critical role in planning and executing emergency response efforts to ensure a safe and resilient campus.
In addition, participants will receive an overview of current initiatives and projects that are shaping the future of Facilities Management at Mason, offering insight into how our work continues to evolve and add value to the university community.
Hosted by:
Tad Drerenberger, Sr. Director, Facilities Management
Brian Gilligan, Director, Facilities Management
Navigating Stakeholders, Difficult Contractors, and the "White Space" of Delivery
Using the recent Activities Building project as a live case study, this session maps the full delivery lifecycle from initial planning through design, construction, and operational turnover. Participants will learn practical strategies for managing competing stakeholder priorities, navigating difficult contractors, and using Predictive PM controls to maintain execution momentum. The session focuses on a system-level approach to breaking project gridlock and ensuring seamless hand-offs to frontline operations.
Hosted by:
Nate Thomas, Director, Program Management
Learn how simple principles of Cover, Contain and Clean can effectively minimize the discharge of sediment, trash, oils, painting, and other pollutants into the stormwater drainage system. Will review best management practice, spill prevention measures, and good housekeeping tips that can be easily applied to our daily operations.
Hosted by:
Zhongyan Xu, Manager, Land Development
Let’s chat communications, recognition, and engagement.
During this session, we will break down how clear, consistent communication keeps everyone informed, while meaningful engagement creates connection, facilitates participation, and helps us develop and strengthen a shared sense of purpose. We will also explore how recognition is essential to celebrate our employees' accomplishments, strengthen our division's culture, and continue our impactful work.
We will take a closer look at the tools, channels, and resources available to help you stay informed, involved, and aligned with F&CO, while also highlighting simple, yet impactful, ways to recognize and celebrate your colleagues. We will showcase the Culture Champion Committee (C3), an important employee engagement resource in F&CO, along with many opportunities for deeper engagement.
You will leave this session with an update about current communications, engagement, and recognition work and resources along with practical and actionable tips to stay updated, celebrate your colleagues, and get further engaged!
Hosted by:
Ariel Sierra, Communication & Marketing Manager
Ben Auger, Engagement Coordinator
Great teams don't happen by accident — they're built, layer by layer, through the everyday actions of the supervisors who lead them. In this interactive workshop designed for Facilities and Campus Operations supervisors, we'll explore what it really takes to build and sustain an engaged team, using the Gallup Q12 framework as our blueprint.
Hosted by:
Andrew Lane, Director, Performance Management & Employee Engagement, Human Resources
You know about health insurance and leave time — but did you know about everything else? Working at George Mason unlocks a surprising range of perks, programs, and resources that most employees only stumble onto by accident. In this session, we'll pull back the curtain on the discounts, free professional development, tuition benefits, recognition opportunities, and community-building resources waiting for you to take advantage of them. Whether you're looking to save money, grow your career, or simply feel more connected to the George Mason community, you'll walk away with a list of resources you'll wish you'd known about sooner. Come curious — leave with a whole new view of what your George Mason employment includes.
Hosted by:
Stacey Ellis, Faculty and Staff Engagement Program Manager, Human Resources
You show up, you do the work, you get it done. But every now and then it's worth asking — why? Rooted in Why is a straight-talking, no-fluff session where we cut through the noise and get real about what drives us. Your personal values, your reasons for doing this work, and the mission behind this organization — when those line up, everything clicks. Come find out where yours connect.
Hosted by:
Jamie Kizer, Organizational Development Consultant & Trainer, Human Resources
Meet Our Featured Speakers
Fred Gatty, EdD
Dr. Fred Gatty is an organizational development consultant focused on helping organizations align strategy, culture, and leadership capability. His work spans executive coaching, leadership development, and culture transformation.
His approach is grounded in research as much as practice. He has developed evidence-based frameworks, including the Six Habits of Effective Communicators and the DARE Coaching Model, built at the intersection of communication research and organizational psychology, tested and refined through real engagements with real organizations facing real challenges.
Fred's thought leadership extends well beyond the consulting room. As a speaker and educator, he has taken the stage at national forums including the Academy of Human Resource Development, the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management, and most recently the 2026 VAPPA Annual Conference. His reach in the classroom spans four university-affiliated Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes, where he has served as a guest instructor at the University of Richmond, George Mason University, the University of Virginia, and William & Mary.
His articles through the Forbes Coaches Council have reached more than 40,000 readers, and his podcast, The Leadership Code, continues that mission in conversation, closing the gap between leadership theory and the moments that matter most in everyday practice. That influence has earned him recognition beyond his immediate community. Thinkers360 has named Fred among their Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Careers in 2026, Top 50 in Coaching in 2024, Top 10 in Careers in 2024, and Top 25 in Coaching in 2023.
Fred holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Richmond, a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from The George Washington University, and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Andrew Lane
Andrew Lane is the Director of Performance Management & Employee Engagement at George Mason University, where he leads strategy and programming that shape how George Mason's employees engage with their work and our mission. With more than two decades of Human Resources experience spanning talent development, employee relations, recruitment, and employee experience, he brings a practitioner's perspective to performance and engagement initiatives that work in the real world.
Stacey Ellis, M.Ed., MS, SHRM-CP
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.
Jamie Kizer
Jamie Kizer is passionate about empowering others and supporting them on their personal and professional journeys. As a Trainer, Organizational Development Consultant, and Workplace Coach within ODL/HR, she brings over 20 years of experience in leadership development, entrepreneurship, and coaching.
Jamie holds both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Public Administration from Penn State University and is certified in Crucial Conversations, DISC, and Prosci Change Management.
She genuinely enjoys connecting with others and is always up for a coffee and a conversation—her treat!