Board Matter

February 5, 2019

Madam Chairman:

Alternate Dispute Resolution processes incorporate skills and techniques that act as a means for disagreeing parties to come to agreements short of discipline, grievances or litigation. It is a collective term for the ways that parties can settle disputes, with (or without) the help of a third party.  ADR describes a variety of processes and approaches to prevent and resolve conflict which avoid the cost, delay, and unpredictability of traditional processes while at the same time improving workplace communication and morale. 

Fairfax County has traditionally celebrated March as ADR month and has recognized a leader in the field. This year, that leader is Dr. Mara Schoeny.

Dr. Schoeny is an associate professor at the School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University and the Director of the School's Graduate Certificate Program. She teaches courses in research and evaluation methods, practice skills and the integration of inter-disciplinary approaches to conflict analysis and resolution. Dr. Schoeny developed and taught simulation courses for undergraduate and master’s level sociology and social work students in family, organizational, political and community conflict. Dr. Schoeny was instrumental in the design of the evaluation program for the Fairfax Office of Alternative Dispute Resolution. 

Therefore, Madam Chairman, I ask, without objection, I ask that we recognize March as Alternate Dispute Resolution Month in Fairfax County and that we invite Dr. Schoeny to come before the Board on March 19 to receive this proclamation.