Office Professionals Network (OPN)

Washington and Lee University Human Resources Learning and Development Office Professionals Network (OPN)
Human Resources

The Office Professionals Network embodies W&L’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, innovative, and effective organizational culture by providing high-quality, accessible professional development programming and community building opportunities, with an emphasis on enhancing the skills and knowledge as well as increasing belonging and wellbeing of university staff. OPN operates in the spirit of W&L’s motto “Non Incautus Futuri,” not unmindful of the future, by modeling the way with forward-thinking and mindful leadership.

Mission

OPN will serve and partner with leadership to create an inclusive and innovative environment where all staff have the opportunity to grow, thrive and are equipped to succeed by:

  • Welcoming new staff to W&L and offering thoughtful information, tools, and platforms to learn about their jobs, the various units and the broader community;
  • Providing meaningful and intentional development opportunities while enhancing belonging and wellbeing;
  • Developing connections using a professional mentoring program which will encourage employee engagement, knowledge-sharing, and job satisfaction;
  • Creating dynamic opportunities for sharing ideas of interest between members;
  • Empowering networks and relationships through community events.

Committee Members

Colleen Drake

Student Operations and First-Year Coordinator, Student Affairs

Colleen has lived in Rockbridge County for over 30 years, but is new to Washington and Lee, joining the university in January 2025. Colleen previously worked for Rockbridge County Schools and Lexington City as an Administrative Assistant. Her favorite part of her job is interacting with the incoming students as they begin their journey at W&L. Colleen is excited to serve on the OPN Committee and contribute new ideas for trainings and events.

Fiorela Giraldo Prado de Lewis

Executive Assistant, The College

Fio Lewis, native of Lima, Peru began her career at Washington and Lee in January of 2021. She currently serves as an Executive Assistant in the College. Prior to her arrival at W&L, she worked with a nonprofit organization assisting victims of violence. Fio is honored to be part of the OPN Committee and enjoys planning trainings and events that promote growth, community and belonging of staff at Washington and Lee. “We are a group that supports each other and are happy to lend a hand if assistance is needed.”

Linda Hurt

Executive Assistant, Provost Office

A Virginia native, Linda Hurt has served as Executive Assistant in the Provost’s office since 2023. Linda joined Washington and Lee University in 2017 in Advancement Operations as a data specialist/gift processor. After a colleague retired, Linda worked as W&L’s Constituent Records Coordinator; ultimately becoming Advancement Records Lead. Linda has enjoyed the OPN workshops and events for several years and is excited to serve as a member of the OPN Committee and continue their work.

Denise Jensen

Library Assistant & Circulation Lead, W&L School of Law

Denise joined the Law Library team in August 2024. Before moving to Virginia in 2020, her husband’s career brought her family to the Carolinas, where they lived and raised their two sons for nearly 16 years. During that time, Denise worked as a historical and genealogical researcher at the Historical Center of York in York, South Carolina. She earned her associate degree in 2019 and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business leadership. Denise enjoys reading, cooking, and exploring. She feels especially at home in libraries and research centers. She looks forward to contributing her skills and supporting the faculty, staff, and students at Washington and Lee.

Tamika McCoy

Accounting Assistant

Tamika joined W&L in February 2019, starting in the Office of Human Resources and now serving as an Accounting Assistant in the Business Office. Originally from the northeast, Tamika has a diverse background in finance, merchandising, and entertainment. She is grateful to be part of the OPN group and looks forward to contributing as a member of the OPN Committee.

Mariel Potter

Office Manager, Human Resources

Mariel has been at the university for 19 years. The first 10 years were in the Auxiliary Services Office, and the last nine were in Student Affairs. Mariel moved to Human Resources to be the office manager and is looking forward to working with employees. Mariel loves being part of the Office Professional Network Steering Committee. The committee allows her to meet and learn from other office professionals on staff. She enjoys spending time with her niece and nephew in her free time. You can usually find them at one of their local sporting events.

Kristy Reed

Office Manager, Center for International Education

Kristy Reed joined Washington and Lee University in June 2021 and currently serves as the Office Manager for the Center for International Education. Prior to her current role, she worked as a Records Specialist in the Registrar’s Office. Kristy enjoys working with students and helping both incoming international students and students preparing to study abroad. She is excited to serve on the OPN Committee and looks forward to connecting with colleagues across campus while supporting programs and events for the W&L community.

Misty Snider

Executive Assistant, The Williams School

Misty joined the Dean’s Office in the Williams School as an Executive Assistant in August 2022. She began her career at W&L in Advancement Operations in 2017. Prior to her arrival at W&L, she worked in the field of public mental health for more than 15 years. Misty is excited to be a part of the OPN Committee and feels that the events and trainings planned by the committee, truly enhance the experiences of staff at Washington and Lee. She is grateful to be a part of the wonderful community on campus and to be associated with an organization that is striving to improve and educate members of the community.

Debbie Visconti

Customer Service Specialist, University Facilities Office

Debbie joined W&L in March 2022 and is responsible for managing the Limble Work Order system for campus repairs. She effectively utilizes the Computerized Maintenance Management System to create and issue work orders, ensuring that service requests are accurately assigned and distributed to the appropriate departments. She processes service requests from the campus community through multiple channels, including electronic submissions, email, and telephone, maintaining high responsiveness and accuracy. With over 40 years of customer service experience across various corporations, including a significant tenure at the Home Depot Corporate Office in Atlanta, GA, Debbie brings a wealth of expertise and dedication to her role. Debbie is enthusiastic about her involvement with the OPN Committee, where she aims to contribute to initiatives that provide educational opportunities for OPN’s members and organize events that promote community engagement and enjoyment.