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Hillary Hamm has been an integral part of George Mason University operations since 2008. As the fiscal and HR technician in the Department of Computational and Data Sciences (CDS), Hamm is known for her efficiency and dedication. Her skill and knowledge were especially apparent as she smoothly provided procurement services for three departments in the College of Science at once.

When nominating her for Employee of the Month, her colleagues emphasized her efficiency and hard work to meet deadlines while managing procurement for these academic units. She also manages the employment of about 40 student teachers and research assistants as part of her role.��

“Hillary has been performing duties in multiple departments and for the College of Science. These extra duties are well beyond her contractual commitments. Her performance during this period has been superb. She [has] kept a very positive attitude and encouraged an enjoyable working environment,” said Anamaria Berea, associate professor in computational and data sciences.

“CDS owes the management of its growth to its staff, of which Hillary is a major component. We wouldn't be where we are today without her, and two other academic units [she helped] would agree,” said Jason Kinser, associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Science.

He also emphasized her ability to work well under pressure, stating that her “overload was always met with a smile and a positive attitude to accomplish that which needed to be done.”��

Sharmin Abdullah, assistant professor of computational and data sciences, agreed. “Ms. Hamm's responsiveness to issues is noteworthy. She tackles challenges with a sense of urgency and a remarkable ability to devise effective solutions promptly,” Abdullah said. “This proactive approach has not only mitigated potential problems but has also fostered a positive and productive working environment within our department.”��

How did you come to Mason:������

My journey at George Mason began in 2008, when I started as a part-time front desk receptionist at the Kellar Institute for Human DisAbilities within the College of Education and Human Development. During my interview, my soon-to-be supervisor, Kim Kalthoff, asked me why I wanted to work at George Mason. Honestly, I had applied to every job I thought I was qualified for—just to get my foot in the door. ��’d heard George Mason was a fantastic place to work, with great benefits, and the bonus of tuition assistance if I ever decided to go back to school once I became a classified employee. I remember being nervous that my honest answer might hurt my chances, but to my surprise, it �徱���’t!

Best day on the job:����

One of the most memorable days in my career at George Mason came just last year. A group of us from the College of Science had been working for over a year to establish the first College of Science Staff Advisory Committee. We connected with other staff advisory committees across the university, took our time to plan, and really wanted to do it right. In October, we finally presented it to the rest of the College of Science staff. It was one of the proudest moments of my professional life—I ���dzܱ����’t have been prouder of what we accomplished together.

What do you like best about working at Mason:����

What truly stands out for me after 16 years at George Mason is the incredible people ��’v�� had the privilege of working with. The wonderful women in the Department of Special Education in CEHD mentored and guided me in ways I will forever be grateful for, shaping me into the “Patriot” I am today. More recently, the amazing people in the College of Science have helped me find my voice and believe in myself. I honestly �ɴdzܱ����’t be the woman I am today without their support, and ��’v�� been fortunate to form lifelong friendships and a true sense of family here at George Mason.

What do you like to do when ��dz�’r�� not working:��

Outside of work, I cherish spending time with my husband, Josh, and my daughter, Zoey. When ��’m not with my family, you can often find me crafting, curled up with a good book by the fire with my dog, or exploring new adventures with friends and loved ones.