George Mason GovCon Initiative Reception Brings Attention to New Program

Joe Martore, CALIBRE; John Hillen, GMU

On Nov. 9, Shari and Dusty Wince hosted a reception honoring the George Mason GovCon Initiative. Created by the Business of Government and Government Contracting at Mason’s School of Business, the effort aims to help GMU gain a competitive advantage and create a more efficient and effective market for the public good.

“This group is focused on building a venue for the academic development of government contracting competencies and other specialized research or briefings aligned to the federal government the largest employer in the area,” said Terry Weipert, senior vice president of the government group at Sutherland Global Services. “This is a community made up of people working directly for the federal government or with contractors delivering products and services to the government. GMU and Mason GOVCON recognize how important the business issues are in this market and the unique rules and regulations that govern this market. I believe the academic development is critical for individuals, the government and the businesses that work in this $500B+ market. This is an excellent direction for GMU.”

The reception aimed to move the program toward its goal of $3 million. So far, the initiative has raised a third of its goal. The GMU Alumni Association also plans to host a happy hour for GMU alumni working in government and government contracting.

“The Business School at George Mason is harnessing the tremendous knowledge in the school to teach, research and analyze the most pressing business issues in the $500 billion-a-year GovCon marketplace,” said Dr. John Hillen, executive in residence at GMU. “We aim to make it more efficient and effective market for the public good.”