About the committee
The Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee monitors Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)/Shared Neutral Program and complete an assessment to determine relative value ADR services to member agencies.
INTERAGENCY ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION/SHARED NEUTRALS PROGRAM
The FEB Interagency “Shared Neutrals”, Program provides mediation service as an alternative to resolve workplace disputes in federal agencies. The combined resources of the Dallas-Fort Worth federal community are shared to provide Interagency Mediators for this program.
The FEB Cadre includes seventy-nine mediators from thirty-six federal agencies with oversight and management from the FEB Interagency ADR Committee.
This multi-agency membership ensures that mediators may be assigned to agencies other than their own to emphasize the mediator’s neutrality.
The goal of the program is to resolve workplace disputes as early as possible.; Early resolution will result in improved communication within the workforce; a productive work environment and reduced cost and time involved with formal dispute processes.
Mediation is the most popular form of ADR currently being used in the Federal sector and is considered an effective means to resolve disagreements and avoid litigation. It is an informal, confidential process that uses trained neutrals to help people resolve disputes in a way that is acceptable to both sides.
ADVANTAGES OF MEDIATION
MEDIATION IS:
- VOLUNTARY – Only the parties involved can decide they want to participate in mediation.
- CONFIDENTIAL – All parties sign an agreement of confidentiality at the beginning of the process.
- FAIR AND IMPARTIAL – Only the parties can decide the terms of any settlement agreement, NOT the mediator. Each party has an equal say in the mediation.
- A WAY TO SAVE TIME MONEY – Most mediations are completed in one meeting
HOW TO REQUEST MEDIATORS
Federal offices may request mediator services by completing an Intake Form and submitting it to the FEB Office.
Forms should be submitted electronically to crystal.cherry@opm.gov.
Your agency liaison or ADR Coordinator will receive communication within one business day of the Case number and status. Communications will continue until mediation is complete.
Our Cadre of neutrals are well-trained and highly skilled to provide reliable mediation service.
MEDIATOR TOOLS
- Mediator Checklist
- Opening Statement
- Mediator Disposition
- Participant Evaluation
- Agreement to Mediate
- Settlement Agreement
- Telephonic Mediation Agreement
- Virtual Mediation
APPLY TO BE A MEDIATOR
Want to be a mediator at the Dallas Fort-Worth Federal Executive Board? Look no further!
If you want to be part of the Interagency Alternative Dispute Resolution Program, fill out the application below and send it alongside your Certificate of Completion from your 40-Hour Mediation training to Deputy Director, Crystal Cherry at crystal.cherry@opm.gov.
DFW FEB Alternative Dispute Resolution Application
Committee Members
Alana McCants – Chair
National Weather Service
Meteorologist
Karen Willis – Vice Chair
Program Analyst
DFW – Transportation Security Administration
OSO-FSD Staff
Samire K. Elhouty
Civil Rights Attorney
U.S Department of Education
Office for Civil Rights
Stacy Murray
Executive Advisor
Federal Aviation Administration
MaryAnn Sampat-Stephens
Executive Officer, Dallas Region
Social Security Administration
Donnette Holder
Deputy Regional Administrator
Wage & Hour – Department of Labor
Richard G. Byerly
Employee/Labor Relations Specialist
Federal Aviation Administration
Julia Lothrop
Executive Officer
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Todd D. Peak
Department of the Treasury
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Scott Harper
Special Assistant to the Regional Administrator
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services