In Good Company with Chris Ackerman
Building a People‑First Culture at George Mason
If you ask Chris Ackerman what’s been most helpful in his first months at George Mason University, he doesn’t point to a policy, a process, or even a program. Instead, he talks about listening — to staff navigating change, to leaders balancing priorities, and to a community deeply invested in doing right by its people.
As Vice President for Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer, Chris joined Mason just under a year ago with a clear focus: reshaping Human Resources into a service‑driven organization that supports employees while advancing the university’s mission.
“At its core, this work is about creating an environment where people feel supported, valued, and set up to do their best work,” he says.
That belief guides efforts to help employees navigate their careers, ensure pay practices are fair and competitive, strengthen employee and workforce relations, and deliver talent solutions that help schools, units, and leaders succeed.
Drawn by Mission and Momentum
George Mason’s trajectory is what first stood out to Chris. “Mason is a university that’s growing, evolving, and not afraid to ask hard questions about how it supports its people,” he explains.
Having spent his career in complex, mission‑driven organizations, he felt the opportunity to shape people strategy in higher education was both meaningful and aligned with how he wants to lead.
Progress, Grounded in People
What Chris has enjoyed most so far is the depth of commitment across the university. “That passion for Mason and our students runs across faculty, staff, and leadership,” he says.
He’s also been encouraged by how open people are to rethinking long‑standing practices when they understand the “why.” For Chris, real progress is rooted in fairness, transparency, and respect — and doesn’t require pageantry to be effective.
Finding Space to Reflect
When he steps away from meetings, Chris often gravitates toward the library, a place with personal significance. His mother is a retired librarian from Howard University, and many of his childhood evenings were spent among the stacks.
Walking the Fairfax Campus offers another way to reset, while the energy of the Johnson Center serves as a reminder of the student experience at the heart of the university’s work.
Beyond the Office
Outside of work, Chris enjoys photography as a creative outlet and hopes to see his work published one day. A native Washingtonian, he spends weekends rediscovering the city and reconnecting with family and close friends, balancing nostalgia with curiosity.
If he could instantly master a new skill, learning a new language tops the list, followed closely by finally learning to drive a stick shift.
Leading with Authenticity
The best advice Chris has received — and one he returns to often — is to be authentic. “You don’t have to choose between being human and being decisive,” he says. “People remember who you are, not just what you accomplished.”
Above all, Chris believes strong institutions are built on trust, consistency, and shared ownership. “My goal is to be a partner to the community, not just a policy voice,” he says. “This is an important moment for Mason. The time is now, and I’m genuinely excited to be part of what’s next.”
