The George Mason University Foundation (GMUF) enthusiastically welcomes three new Board of Trustee members to George Mason, effective July 2024. These carefully selected group of individuals were chosen, not only because of the immense amount of experience and leadership they bring, but also because of their dedication to George Mason and the university’s initiatives.
The GMUF Board of Trustees plays a vital role in the growth of George Mason University, upholding the vision and mission of the university’s comprehensive $1 billion campaign, Mason Now: Power the Possible.
“The George Mason University Foundation’s Board of Trustees are pivotal in the success of this university,” said Trishana E. Bowden, GMUF president and Mason’s vice president of advancement and alumni relations. “These individuals are leaders who bring valuable knowledge and skills to the table. We are grateful to benefit from their counsel and perspective as we work on behalf of our students and the George Mason community.”
Michael Gallagher, MBA ‘94, founded the Stevie Awards in 2002 to recognize workplace innovators at every level, and he remains its executive chairman. He is also the chief executive officer of ImageShield, and has used his experience in marketing, sales, and product development in roles such as vice president of sales and marketing with Hoover’s Media Technologies division of Hoover’s Inc., a leading provider of information on public and private companies. More recently, Gallagher was vice president of sales and marketing with Amazing Media, an online advertising company. Gallagher holds a bachelor’s degree from Fordham University and an MBA from George Mason University where, from 2011 to 2013, he served as president of the Business Alumni Chapter and also as a director at large.
Craig C. Havenner is a partner in and former president of the Christopher Companies, a locally-owned and operated residential and commercial building and development company based in Oakton, Virginia. As president, Havenner was responsible for land planning, development, product design, construction, and customer service. He has been part of the company since 1993. His experience also includes work with the Artery Organization and the Fairfax County Park Authority. He is actively involved with the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association, the Home Builder’s Association of Virginia, and as a member of the George Mason University Costello College of Business Center for Real Estate Entrepreneurship Advisory Board.
Ajay Vinzé is the dean of the Donald G. Costello College of Business at George Mason University. He came to George Mason in 2022 from the University of Missouri, where he was the dean of the Trulaske College of Business. At Mizzou, he significantly enhanced the research profile of Trulaske College and offered innovative programs that were market responsive and available through traditional, online, and hybrid formats. Prior to his tenure at Missouri, Vinzé was the Earl and Gladys Davis Distinguished Professor of Business at Arizona State University, where he served in a number of leadership roles. He launched his distinguished academic career at Texas A&M University. He is a Fulbright Senior Specialist and a global citizen, having lived, worked, or traveled through more than 70 countries.
Story by Advancement Communications