2026 James D. McComas Staff Leadership Seminar
The James D. McComas Staff Leadership Seminar will be in a hybrid format to offer all Virginia Tech staff members the opportunity to continue their education, network with colleagues, and learn skills that will help them with their jobs. The event will also be streamed with limited interaction.
The seminar will be on Thursday, June 11th, at Goodwin Hall. Doors open at 10:00 a.m. and the session is scheduled to end around 4:00 p.m. Light breakfast and full lunch will be provided.
In-person registration is limited to 200 staff members only. The webinar is open to all Virginia Tech staff and capped at 500 registrations. Registration will open for both on Wednesday, May 6th , and closes on Friday, June 5th, for the in-person registration. Registration for the webinar will remain open.
10:00-11:00 – Doors open/Registration
10:45-11:45 – Welcome and Introductions (Staff Senate Executive Team, McComas Committee, Staff Senators)
11:45-1:00 – Lunch
1:00-2:45 – Program: From Start to Close: A Day in University Finance Operations with Shelley Seckers and Alyson Bryson in Financial Management
2:45-3:00 – Break
3:00-4:00 – McComas Award Presentation and Closing Out
Presentation Title: From Start to Close: A Day in University Finance Operations
What does a typical day look like across the Division of Finance? Join Alyson Bryson, Training Specialist for Data Analytics, and Shelley Seckers, Assistant Director for Financial Management, for a high-level look inside the essential work that keeps the university running.
Through a “day in the life” lens, this session will walk through the core responsibilities of the Division of Finance, highlighting how each area contributes to the bigger picture. Participants will explore key functions, gain insight into the systems that support daily operations, and better understand the internal controls that ensure accuracy, accountability, and compliance all through an interactive presentation.
Whether you're new to finance or looking to strengthen your understanding of how the pieces fit together, this session offers a clear and practical overview of the people, processes, and tools behind the work.
Register for the 2026 James D. McComas Staff Leadership Seminar.