Julie Zobel

Dr. Julie A. Zobel serves as senior vice president and chief operating officer, managing the Administration & Operations units to empower George Mason University’s mission through operational excellence and strategic service delivery.

As SVP and COO, Zobel oversees the university’s information technology, facilities, campus operations, auxiliary services, business analysis, enterprise governance and project management, enterprise risk and emergency management, and safety programs.

Joining George Mason in 2000, Zobel began as a health and safety engineer focused on chemical, biological, and radiation safety for George Mason’s instructional and research laboratories. Zobel subsequently served in a variety of progressively more responsible roles, leading to her service as vice president & chief risk officer and subsequent appointment as interim senior vice president role in August 2024.

Of particular note was Zobel’s operational stewardship of the university through the pandemic, at which time she oversaw what is now the Office of Risk, Safety, and Resilience. Zobel and her team distinguished themselves through their exemplary leadership, which contributed substantially to George Mason’s recognition as a national leader in pandemic management.

Zobel was named SVP & COO in April 2025 and serves as a member of the university’s Executive Council and Senior Leadership Team.

Zobel earned dual bachelor’s degrees in hazardous materials/environmental management and civil engineering from the University of Findlay and the University of Akron, respectively. She earned a master of science degree in civil engineering from the University of Akron and her doctorate in biodefense from George Mason University.

Jessica Holtzman
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