Executive Education | Costello College of Business

What happens when top data and analytics leaders take questions from Chief Data and Analytics Officer (CDAO) program participants? Candid insights, real-world strategies, and invaluable lessons.? ? The recent panel during the final session of the CDAO program brought the following industry experts together to tackle the toughest challenges in data leadership: ? Sterling Thomas Chief Scientist at the US Government Accountability Office? ? Sterling is a research scientist with strong experience in human disease, molecular pathology, Big Data analytics, and computer programming. His projects have ranged from developing human diagnostics to developing financial algorithms for equities markets. Sterling has managed several laboratories and research teams including serving as a Director. He has direct experience with small businesses and startups, non-profit research institutions and academic research laboratories; including acquiring start-up funds and peer-reviewed grant submission. Sterling’s specialties include bioinformatics, genomics, biomarker discovery, proteomics, structural informatics, biomathematics, molecular pathology, anatomical pathology, high-performance computing, and quantitative finance. ? Leonel Cortes Chief Technology Officer at infoLock Technologies? ? Leonel, an alum of the CDAO program (2022), has an extensive IT career spanning over 20 years.?He is an experienced IT leader and systems integrator with knowledge of Governance and Controls. Demonstrated leadership skills in multinational environments. The panel was moderated by Costello College of Business faculty member Nirup Menon. Nirup’s?research interests lie in healthcare information technology, information security and privacy, economics of information systems, online platform strategies, and econometric modeling. He has published over 30 peer-reviewed articles and a book, and presented his research at numerous conferences. His teaching includes information security management and advanced data mining. Nirup’s work has been funded by Virginia Commonwealth Cyber Initiative among others. He serves/served on the editorial boards of several top-tier academic journals, and on review panels for NSF and NIH. He has consulted on industry projects for SAP America, Vencore, Fairfax County, and Arlington County, among others. ? Learn more about the upcoming CDAO program starting October 2025????https://lnkd.in/eMbtCTDq ? #GeorgeMasonUniverity #CostelloMeansBusiness #ExecutiveEducation #CSuite #Data #Analytics

?? Meet Executive Education staff member, Aubrey Byrum! ?? Aubrey is the Program Coordinator for Executive Education in the George Mason University – Costello College of Business. She has been with the department for two and a half years and plays a pivotal role in the logistics and operations as well as management and implementation of Executive Education programs. In her current position, Aubrey manages programming operational and administrative requirements. She liaises with University and external vendors and support staff, oversees individual program logistical needs, and supports the financial budgeting and invoicing for Executive Education. Additionally, Aubrey aids faculty in curriculum needs and assists in program contract proposals.? Participants get to know Aubrey through her enthusiastic presence and customer service in delivering and managing both in-person and virtual programming.?Aubrey’s commitment to the participant experience recently led to a CLO Student commenting that Executive Education was?“an extraordinary, well-oiled machine”.?Faculty rely on her for technical and on-site assistance?allowing them to focus completely on the classroom experience. Aubrey has previously worked as the Manager of Advocacy and External Affairs for the Mclean County Chamber of Commerce and as a legislative assistant?for?a U.S. Congressman.?She has also interned with the International Trade Administration in the U.S. Department of Commerce?with “Secret” level clearance. She is a proud alum of American University and is currently pursuing her Master of Public Policy (MPP) at George Mason University - Schar School of Policy of Government. We're so lucky to have Aubrey on our team and grateful for her dedication in delivering exceptional learning experiences to our participants. #GeorgeMasonUniversity #CostelloMeansBusiness #ExecutiveEducation #CSuite #StaffSpotlight

We’re one month away from exhibiting at the HR Virginia SHRM State Council Annual Conference! We’re excited to connect with HR professionals during this exciting event! If you’re attending, be sure to stop by our booth (#214) to learn more about our programs. Whether you’re looking for a custom program for your organization or an open-enrollment C-Suite program, like our Chief Learning Officer program, we’re here to help individuals and organizations build the skills they need to thrive. Comment below if you’ll be in attendance! See you in Virginia Beach??? #GeorgeMasonUnivesity #CostelloMeansBusiness #ExecutiveEducation #ChiefLearningOfficer #CLO #HRVA2025

It was an honor to engage with a distinguished panel of learning and development thought leaders during the final session of the Chief Learning Officer program! The panel brought together a wealth of experience and perspectives from the following industry leaders: Dolly Oberoi Owner & CEO at C2 Technologies, Inc. Dolly has grown?C2 Technologies from a small start-up to an internationally recognized company with over 500 employees in 37 locations worldwide, serving more than 120 clients and completing more than 20,000 projects.?C2 Technologies is a leading provider of education, online learning, Immersive Technologies, Air Crew Training, Simulation & Modeling, Intel and Digital Transformation solutions for the public and private sectors, and higher education institutions. With over three decades of experience in the field, she has pioneered and innovated immersive technology solutions, such as AR/VR/XR, 5G, LVC, Metaverse, and Digital Twins, to enhance human performance and create transformative learning experiences. Dolly has?received multiple awards and honors, such as the GovCon Entrepreneur of the Year Award, NDIA Small Business Award, Women in Defense, Virginia Business Award, E&Y Finalist, and the Minority Business Leader's Award. Dolly also serves on the Board of Visitors here at George Mason University. ? Matisha Montgomery Chief Learning Officer at U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Matisha, a CLO alum (2022), oversees the Department’s general training and leadership development programs, learning technology and evaluation programs, organizational development initiatives, workforce and succession planning, and HR data analytics. She enables HUD’s employees to support America’s critical housing infrastructure and end homelessness. B.J. Whetstine Branch Chief: Supervisory Support and Development at USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) B.J., an alum of the CLO program (2024), brings experience in driving transformational change, instituting new programs and changing organizational culture. He has supported teams affected by change, gathering input, communicating rationale, and preparing them for the new normal as they sail into uncharted waters. With over 8 years served in the Peace Corps, and 8 years at APHIS, he has fostered teams to communicate openly, work synergistically, and support each other without question so that teams function as well-oiled machines that drive organizational performance. ? B.J. is an active member of ATD, and has spoken at their ATD International Conference in 2024, leading the session called “Teaching Old Dogs New Tricks: Training Managers Leading Hybrid Teams”. He will return this year as a panelist during the “Cross-Cultural Consulting and Facilitation: Stories from Abroad” session. ? The panel was led by Claudia Escribano, Director of Creative Learning Solutions at C2 Technologies. ? Thank you to our panelists and moderator on their valuable contributions and insights!

???Executive Education Staff Spotlight: Whitney Caldwell??? Whitney Caldwell serves as the Assistant Director of Learning for Executive Education in the George Mason University – Costello College of Business. With over thirteen years of experience at George Mason, Whitney has played a vital role in the planning, implementing, and managing education programs within the college. In her current position, Whitney supports faculty in designing and developing senior-level programs, oversees the online learning design in Blackboard and Canvas, and supports financial budgeting for Executive Education. Additionally, Whitney has expertise in instructor-led training and technical curriculum development. Participants get to know Whitney through her dedicated customer service in delivering custom and open enrollment programs.?Faculty rely on her for her thought leadership and guidance in bringing their curriculum to the working professionals in our open enrollment and customized learning experiences. She previously served as a Professional Development Manager with National Geographic and taught science in middle schools. Whitney is a proud alum of Duke University. Please join us in celebrating Whitney for her contributions to our mission of empowering leaders through world-class executive education! ? #GeorgeMasonUniversity #ExecutiveEducation #CostelloMeansBusiness #CSuite #CustomPrograms #StaffSpotlight

???From?Executive?Education?to?PhD: Celebrating Success Beyond the Program??? ? We’re thrilled to share the inspiring journey of Bryan Sullivan, one of our Chief Data and Analytics Officer (CDAO) program alumni! After completing the CDAO program in 2023, Bryan took his passion for data and analytics to pursue a PhD here at George Mason University!? ? With an interest in healthcare information systems, Bryan has been able to leverage the Executive Education program learnings into his PhD work. “The hands-on experience of building and architecting data environments has proven invaluable when setting up databases and establishing data pipelines for my research. In our ‘storytelling with data’ section of the CDAO program, I learned not only to manage complex data structures but also to communicate nuanced insights effectively—a skill that is crucial when presenting empirical findings in a research setting.?Moreover, the program emphasized independent problem-solving and technical rigor, both of which are essential in a PhD journey. This overlap between practical data management skills and independent research has given me a significant advantage in navigating the data-intensive challenges of the Information Systems discipline”, says Bryan. ? We couldn’t be prouder to see our alumni continue to excel and make an impact in their careers and beyond! Join us in congratulating Bryan on this exciting chapter! We can’t wait to see all that he accomplishes!? ? #GeorgeMasonUniversity #ExecutiveEducation #LifelongLearning #Leadership #PhD

Program completion never looked so good!??? Please join us in celebrating the newest alumni of the Chief Data and Analytics Officer program, Chief Learning Officer program, and Chief Risk Officer program!??? #GeorgeMasonUniversity #CostelloMeansBusiness #ExecutiveEducation #CSuite #Congratulations

After five months of growth, collaboration, and strategic insights, we’ve arrived at the final day of the C-Suite programs!?? We’re so thankful for every participant’s dedication, resilience, and commitment to leadership development –it has been truly inspiring! #GeorgeMasonUniversity #CostelloMeansBusiness #ExecutiveEducation #CSuite #Congratulations

We’re one day away from handing these certificates out to our C-Suite participants! We can’t wait to celebrate this exciting achievement and see where each participant goes from here! #GeorgeMasonUniversity #CostelloMeansBusiness #ExecutiveEducation #CSuite #Leadership #ProfessionalGrowth #Certificates #Achievement #Congratulations

Ready to elevate your career during the Chief Learning Officer (CLO) program at George Mason University? ???? During the CLO program, participants will learn how design an integrated talent strategy to attract, develop, retain, and advance the talent needed to meet the business objectives of their organization. Program Details: ?? Duration: Five Months ?? Format: Hybrid ?? Start Date: October 28, 2025 ?? Ideal Candidates: Professionals with a minimum of six years in the learning and development space Don't miss the opportunity to advance your career, learn from industry leaders, and network with fellow leaders in the L&D space. Learn more and register ?? https://lnkd.in/eD5bPywE #GeorgeMasonUniversity #ExecutiveEducation #CostelloMeansBusiness #CSuite #Learning #ChiefLearningOfficer #CLO