October Employee of the Month Kristen Greiner with President Anne Holton. Photo by Ron Aira/Creative Services.
How Kristen Greiner found out that she is George Mason University’s October Employee of the Month is, in her words, “kind of a funny story.”
“My boss, Jenn Robinson, came skipping over to my desk and kept asking what I was doing on Oct. 2,” said Greiner, advancement program coordinator in Mason’s office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations. “I was thinking, ‘If you want me to plan one more event this semester….’ ”
Instead, Robinson told Greiner about the Employee of the Month ceremony with Mason President Anne Holton.
“She [Robinson] skipped all over the office telling everyone I won,” Greiner said.
“Kristen consistently seeks to innovate our processes to make them more efficient,” said Robinson, assistant vice president for advancement initiatives and engagement. “She is a constant team player and always willing to help others. Her graphic design, writing, and editorial skills make her an invaluable asset to our team.”
Greiner also had a hand in Mason’s Faster Farther fundraising campaign, which raised $690 million, almost $200 million more than the $500 million goal.
A large celebration was organized, with Greiner handling graphic design, management of student volunteers and attendee registration, all while training a new advancement specialist. She also assisted in venue walkthroughs, vendor research and selection, and band selection.
“I always have a very long to-do list,” Greiner admits, “but I have it color-coded and coordinated to keep on top of everything. I use a lot of spreadsheets as well. I just try my best.”
In addition to her full-time job, Greiner pursuing an MFA in creative writing at Mason and is editor-in-chief of “So to Speak,” Mason’s student-run feminist journal of language and art.
“I never would’ve expected to receive this,” Greiner said of the recognition. “I haven’t been here very long, only a little less than two years, I thought I was just doing my work. It’s a very whirlwind experience.”
How she got here:
I came to Mason after graduating with my undergraduate degree from James Madison University in 2017. I had enrolled in the creative writing MFA program and then started working part time in the Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations as the advancement programs administrative assistant the summer before my classes started.
Best day on the job:
My favorite was definitely the day of the Faster Farther celebration at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C. My team planned a gala for more than 600. The day of the event was the culmination of almost a year of hard work. It was awesome to see it come together.
What she likes best about working at Mason:
I really like the people I work with. We all have different experiences and come from different walks of life. We have a really tight-knit community in our office, and it feels great to have such an amazing support group. I’ve definitely met some of my best friends at work.
What she does when she’s not working:
When I’m not working you can usually find me somewhere with a book in my hand. I really enjoy traveling. I love exploring new places and trying new foods. I also love cooking and baking. I’m always trying out new recipes, and I usually bring them in to share with my colleagues.