����AV

Since attending and graduating from ����AV, Marc and Shaza Andersen have embedded themselves in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. From establishing careers, marrying, and starting a family, to giving back, the Andersens have achieved several milestones in the region. They are two dedicated community business leaders who recognize the values and impact of the .

The Andersens serve on the School of Business Dean’s Advisory Council, with Marc also sitting on the Center for Government Contracting Advisory Board, which he helped start.

Most recently, Shaza, BA Area Studies ’89, launched Trustar Bank in July 2019, serving as chief executive officer and founder. Trustar Bank is the first community bank to be chartered in Virginia in more than 10 years.

“With all of the bank consolidations in our marketplace, there was a demand for a new community bank,” she says. The response has been overwhelming.

Shaza says that both this demand and having a proven team of leaders from her previous job allowed the process to move quickly. “Our regulators were great in working with us, and many knew us from the past. That made a big difference,” she says.

Previously, Shaza served as vice chair of the board of Sandy Spring Bank and was founder and CEO of WashingtonFirst Bank. She says the team looks forward to growing the bank by delivering superior service and strong returns to shareholders.

Marc, BA Economics ’90, has spent more than 17 years with Ernst & Young LLP (EY). He currently serves as a senior global client service partner advising global technology, public sector, consumer products, and banking and capital market clients. He also served in strategy, public policy, and market leadership roles, to include creating EY’s U.S. federal consulting business.

He has dedicated most of his career to EY because of the people and culture. “EY provides an incredible platform to create and build businesses, grow and develop people, and serve clients globally. It’s fun,” he says.

Marc is passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship, the “key ingredients for driving meaningful change and growth.”

“It’s about understanding what’s possible and then the impact you can make. I’m passionate about bringing the best of the private and public sectors together to solve complex problems by driving innovation and investing in entrepreneurship,” he says.

Marc also enjoys mentoring and investing in professional development opportunities for military and veterans as they transition to the private sector.

“We are both committed to doing what we can to help make a difference and to have an impact. Mason has come a long way since we graduated, due in part to alumni and friends staying active and committed to the university’s success,” they say. “From a community perspective, we recognize an opportunity and responsibility to make a difference where we can in the areas that matter most to us: youth, education, and entrepreneurship.”

As board members they recognize the advantages of a Mason business degree and future industry success.

“A degree from Mason’s School of Business sets students apart in what it communicates. The business school does a great job in preparing students to enter the workforce. In addition, as many students work while attending school, it also communicates the ability of Mason students to meet the many demands required to be a successful professional,” say the Andersens.

They encourage students to work hard and make the most of their education and professional development opportunities.

“Understand that success and your career are something that you need to consistently invest in over time. Take risks and do something that you are passionate about and take the time to invest in others and in our community.”

The Andersens look forward to the future and doing more of what they’re passionate about—building their businesses, investing in the community, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.