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George Mason University

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Samantha McClelland, ARM

Director, Operational Risk Management,
George Mason University

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Samantha is a highly experienced Risk Management professional with over 25 years in higher education, including 24 years of dedicated service at George Mason University. She currently serves as the Director of Operational Risk Management, where she leads university-wide initiatives to enhance institutional resilience and address complex operational risks with strategic foresight and collaboration. In her previous role as Risk Control Manager, Samantha led the creation and successful implementation of George Mason Driver Safety Program, developing policies, establishing driver monitoring, and launching comprehensive safety training. She also played a critical role in onboarding the university’s Programs, Events, and Camps (PEC) involving minors, ensuring alignment with best practices and compliance standards. Her efforts significantly contributed to cultivating a proactive, university wide risk awareness culture. Samantha has expertise in a broad range of risk domains, including claims investigation and processing, risk assessments, cyber liability, minors on campus, contract review, and both self-insurance and commercial insurance tailored to higher education. As Director, she is committed to mentoring future professionals, equipping departments with effective risk mitigation tools, and promoting a collaborative approach to enterprise risk management. Driven by a passion for education, safety, and institutional integrity, Samantha continues to champion innovative practices and knowledge sharing in the evolving field of Risk Management.