Joyce French currently serves as Director for Operational Risk Management. In this position, she is responsible for administering the Commonwealth’s Risk Management Plan and commercial insurance policies to protect the Commonwealth and the University’s reputation, property, and financial assets. Ms. French serves as the University’s liaison to the Commonwealth’s Division of Risk Management and external organizations in matters dealing with insurance and claims. In addition, Joyce assists the University Community by assessing potential risks, recommending controls to management to reduce or eliminate hazards, or suggesting the contractual transfer of these risks. Joyce serves on the following committees: Accident Review Committee (Chair), Enterprise Risk Management Council, Emergency Management Executive Committee, University Travel Advisory Committee (co-Chair), Institutional Biosafety Committee, and Radiation Safety Committee.
Before joining George Mason, Joyce completed an honorable 20-year career in the United States Navy including tours with both the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Chief of Naval Operations. She has received numerous military medals and recognitions.
Joyce holds a Master of Science in Quality Systems Management from the National Graduate School. Her Bachelor of Science in Business Management is from the University of Maryland. An Associate in Risk Management from The Institutes; certificates from Virginia Risk Control Institute at Virginia Commonwealth University in Risk Control and Insurance and Risk Management; and the Advanced Management Institute, Center for Public Policy at Virginia Commonwealth University.