Off the Clock

As executive director of academic strategies and senior executive producer for GMU-TV, Susan Kehoe leads an award-winning educational television team whose work reaches audiences throughout Northern Virginia and around the globe. Outside work, Kehoe opens doors and broadens the experiences of others in a different way. As a volunteer Puppy Raiser for Canine Companions for Independence, her family raises and trains service dogs.

When George Mason University track and field assistant coach Susanna Sullivan stepped onto the start line at the World Championships marathon in Tokyo, she carried with her the encouragement of the student-athletes she mentors, the lessons of her sixth-grade classroom, and the resilience of an athlete who never stopped believing.

As director of contracts and special projects for Auxiliary Services and Operations at George Mason University, Buz Grover has managed a variety of recurring and innovative projects. Outside work, as a volunteer with the Cave Research Foundation, Grover explores caves on federal lands, mapping the unknown twists and turns of the earth’s darkest—and coolest—corners.

In her off hours, Mariia Petryk, assistant professor of information systems and operations management, is using her data science expertise to help bring decentralized medicine to conflict zones—starting with her birth country, Ukraine.

Kristina Ryder has worked as an administrative specialist in George Mason University’s Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations for almost two years, where she supports the Advancement communications team. Outside work, Ryder has spent time on the basketball court at EagleBank Arena—but not shooting free throws. Ryder is a singer, and she has performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” at sporting events at George Mason and beyond.

Debbie Cohen started working in George Mason University’s Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations in fall 2023. Before coming to George Mason, she worked in another realm of education: as a middle school teacher. Her passion for education fueled her involvement with another activity outside work: Cohen serves as a volunteer mentor with College Bound, Inc., a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit serving public and charter school students in grades 8–12.

Carissa O’Neill works at George Mason University as an office assistant in University Life. Outside the office, O’Neill volunteers at The JK Community Farm in Purcellville, Virginia—a 150-acre working farm that donates 100% of its produce to local food pantries.

As an Institutional Review Board (IRB) compliance manager in George Mason University’s Office of Research Integrity and Assurance, Kim Paul ensures that research projects involving human subjects comply with all regulations. Outside of work, one of her hobbies revolves around nonhuman subjects: dogs eligible for adoption.

As a photographer in Creative Services at George Mason University, Evan Cantwell spends his time at work capturing moments across the university. Cantwell is also a 25- year survivor of colorectal cancer. He has found ways to connect with other survivors and help spread awareness of colorectal cancer, which is now affecting more and more young people in the United States.

Stacey Schwartz works as a digital strategist for the Center for the Arts and the Hylton Performing Arts Center at George Mason University. A Mason alum, Schwartz brought her capstone research project to life when she opened a Free Little Art Gallery (FLAG) in her community.