Risk, Safety, & Resilience

Archives: People

John Crocker

Title: Chemical Safety Manager

Phone: 703-993-1766

Website: https://rsr.gmu.edu

Groups: EHS

John Crocker joined the Environmental Health and Safety Office at George Mason University in January of 2013 as the Chemical Safety Manager. He manages the chemical hygiene program, laboratory hazard assessments and accident/incident investigations, the hazardous waste management program, laboratory registrations and annual inspections. He also serves as an Alternate Responsible Official at George Mason University’s Biomedical Research Laboratory on the Science and Technology Campus.

Prior to joining George Mason, John served as an industrial hygienist for an environmental consulting firm in Richmond, VA from 1998 to 2000, before transitioning to Radford University as an Environmental Compliance Specialist from 2000 to 2010, and then as Interim Safety Director from 2011 to 2012.

John earned a certification as a Board Certified Safety Professional in 2012, and certification as a Hazardous Materials Manager in 2023. John graduated from Virginia Wesleyan University with a BA in Biology.

Matthew Duckery

Title: Senior Fire Inspector

Phone: 703-993-8345

Website: https://www.ready.gmu.edu

Matthew Duckery joined the Risk, Safety, & Resilience department at George Mason University as the Senior Fire Inspector in August 2024.

Matthew started his public safety career in 2011 as a Firefighter/EMT in the City of Alexandria. During his time in Alexandria, Matthew earned certifications as a certified Public Educator, HAZMAT Technician, and Fire Inspector. After six rewarding years, Matthew accepted an opportunity to serve as a Code Inspector in Arlington County. In Arlington, after earning an ICC Property Maintenance Certification, Matthew served the community by maintaining the VA Building Code & VA Property Maintenance Code before being promoted to the Elevator Program Supervisor.

Matthew holds a Masters Degree from East Carolina University and plans to continue his education here at George Mason University.

Heather Aleknavage

Title: Administrative Assistant and Project Coordinator

Phone: 703-993-1446

Website: https://www.rsr.gmu.edu

Heather Aleknavage joined Risk, Safety, & Resilience in October 2024 as Administrative Assistant and Project Coordinator. Heather has an extensive background in service-oriented environments. She has worked in a variety of administrative positions at George Mason for 24 years, most recently as the office manager and human resources coordinator for the Office of Sponsored Programs. With a large staff and demanding deadlines where multitasking is critical, she was engaged in every aspect of pre- and post-award research administration, and operations management, including fiscal and human resources support.

With an interest in campus community building, she created the Support Group for Working Mothers at George Mason in 2003, which led to her participation on the Quality of Work Life Task Force and the Staff Senate. The group recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, and Aleknavage’s efforts have been recognized publicly both at college and university levels.

Driven by the urgent need to create change at George Mason, she began following George Mason student-parents through different areas of research and advocacy and completed graduate studies at George Mason with this population as a focus for her master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies in Higher Education. She was also a member of the Generation Hope FamilyU Cohort, and part of the team that received the Patriot Pathbreakers award in May 2024.

Aleknavage is also a Distinguished Toastmaster and was president of George Mason University Toastmasters club from 2023 to 2024. Prior to George Mason, she was director of catering and member services at River Bend Golf and Country Club, and was awarded, “Best Themed Event of the Year” by the National Association of Catering Executives in 2000.

Kristin Pardiny

Kristin Pardiny Photo By: Creative Services/George Mason University

Title: Emergency Manager

Phone: 703-993-6990

Website: https://ready.gmu.edu

Groups: EM&FS

Kristin Pardiny joined the Risk, Safety, & Resilience department at George Mason University as an Emergency Manager in May 2024. In this role, she prepares for, responds to, and recovers from emergencies, disasters, and campus events affecting the community. She is part of the Emergency Management & Fire Safety division, which develops and maintains comprehensive emergency response plans. 

Previously, Kristin served as a fire/EMS Lieutenant with the Arlington County Fire Department. She managed emergency incidents and coordinated resources for multi-agency events. As a member of the Technical Rescue Team, she specialized in high-risk rescues in complex environments. 

In 2019, Kristin transitioned into more dedicated emergency management roles, serving as a Fire Department liaison during Emergency Operations Center activations and joining the National Capital Region Incident Management Team. She has assisted with various Community Risk and Reduction programs and served as a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) instructor and liaison. Additionally, she led the planning for a fire department youth camp, connecting youth with resources to support fire service recruitment. 

Kristin graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in emergency management in 2021 and plans to continue her education at George Mason University. She remains a member of the National Capital Region Incident Management Team, responding to various emergency and disaster situations. 

Gina Reistrup

Title: Emergency Management Specialist

Phone: 703-577-8008

Gina started working with SEERM in February 2021 as a volunteer at Mason’s vaccination clinic. In June 2021 she transitioned to the role of Emergency Management Specialist. Gina maintains emergency inventory across Mason’s seven Northern Virginia campuses. She works with various stakeholders within and outside of Mason to ensure the Mason community is prepared to prevent and respond to emergencies.

Gina graduated from Virginia Tech with a B.A. in International Studies and Spanish. Gina is working towards earning her Master of Public Health at George Washington University and plans to graduate in December 2023.

Elif Karaoz

Title: Biosafety Officer

Matthew Forker

Title: Fire Safety Specialist

Matthew Forker joined Safety, Emergency, & Enterprise Risk Management in April 2021 as an Emergency Management Specialist. In this position, he supported Mason’s COVID-19 response through the vaccine clinic and testing sites. In January of 2021, he moved into the role of Fire Safety Specialist, where he coordinates various functions within the Fire Safety team, including fire drills, fire safety inspections, and administrative support.

Prior to joining SEERM, Matthew worked with Housing and Residence Life, and more recently at a child development center abroad, specializing in infant care. He continues his studies in Communication, English, and American Sign Language at Mason.

Angela Chezem

Title: Medical Director

Angela Chezem, MD, is the Medical Director for Employee Health & Well-Being in the Risk, Safety & Resilience Department at George Mason University. Her team provides medical surveillance programs for university personnel, ergonomic assessments, travel consultations, and multiple training programs such as CPR/AED and First Aid, Stop the Bleed, Bloodborne Pathogens, and Opioid Overdose Response and Naloxone Training.

Previously, Dr. Chezem served as the Medical Director overseeing the COVID surveillance testing program and the COVID vaccination clinic during the pandemic. Her work continues to involve collaboration with the local health department and other university units for emergency and infection response plans.

Additionally, Dr. Chezem worked in the past at George Mason’s Student Health Services providing care for students. She has worked in private practice as a primary care physician, urgent care, and hospital settings for newborns through all adult age ranges. Dr. Chezem also spent time working for the federal government providing care to United States Active Duty Army service members, their family members and retirees both while living abroad and in the U.S.

Dr. Chezem received her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at the University of Virginia. Following that, she attended the School of Medicine at the University of Virginia where she received her Medical Doctorate. She is board-certified in Family Medicine, a member of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, and is a fellow of the American Academy of Family Practice.

Timothy Wharton

Title: Senior Fire Systems Inspector

Groups: EM&FS

Tim Wharton came to George Mason University in February of 2001 serving in the Preventive Maintenance Department of Facilities Management. Tim joined the EHS Fire Safety staff in September of 2006. Tim is responsible for inspection and testing of sprinkler and fire alarm systems. Tim also assists with monthly checks of fire extinguishers, fire pumps, and valves

Tim currently has his National Institute For Certification in Engineering Technologies Level I and II in Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Fire Suppression System, Level I Fire Alarm Systems as well as Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester/Mechanic Certification from Chesapeake Cross Connection Institute. He has also been trained in CPR, First Aid, Confined Space Entry, and Blood Borne Pathogens.

Prior to joining Mason, Tim worked in surveying and mapping and spent several years as a CNC machinist

Samantha McClelland

Title: Risk Control Manager

Phone: 703-993-4197

Samantha McClelland is a highly experienced Risk Management Professional with over 15 years of specialized experience in claims management, self-insurance administration, risk assessment, contract liability terms and conditions and program management. Samantha honed her skills and knowledge of Risk Management and Student Services while working at George Mason University for over 22 years. Samantha developed the Driver Safety Program by devising a vehicle use policy, developing the driver awareness training, serving as the training facilitator, and implementing a motor vehicle records check compliance process. As a result of the program, the university received a Motor Vehicle Accident Prevention award in 2022.

Samantha has a total of 25 years’ experience in Higher Education administration and Student Services, providing continuity of operations and project management.  Samantha also has several years of experience in law enforcement and social services administration. Samantha’s diversified professional experience enables her to problem solve and assess critical situations in a timely and efficient manner.

Samantha completed her degree in Risk Management Administration and Criminology at George Mason University. She also received certificates in Risk Management and Risk Control from Virginia Commonwealth University. Currently, pursuing her Masters in Interdisciplinary Studies at George Mason University and her certification designation in Risk Management.