FEMA's Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Policy
Value Statement
Resolving conflict in a constructive and timely manner is critical to FEMA’s mission.
Mission: To promote cooperative and creative problem solving.
FEMA’s mission is best fulfilled through teamwork and partnership. The ADR Office facilitates forthright and professional problem solving as people work together. Skillful conflict management creates cooperation, consensus building, and stronger relationships.
Goal: To enhance Agency efficiency and increase customer satisfaction both internally and externally.
ADR builds productive relationships by resolving disputes promptly, informally, and at the source. The ADR Office seeks to foster a positive working environment in which all employees, partners, and customers are treated with dignity and respect. ADR encourages open and honest dialogue and focuses on common interests so participants can find reasonable and satisfying solutions. Throughout the Federal Government, the use of ADR has demonstrated tremendous cost benefits, reduced litigation, savings in time and energy, and greater customer satisfaction at all levels.
The ADR Office advocates fairness, integrity, and professional competency in problem solving. The use of ADR is voluntary for all participants and is most effective when both parties want to achieve mutually satisfying results.
FEMA’s ADR Office provides an internal person, the ADR Specialist, with whom people can speak confidentially, to assist them with developing problem-solving options. The ADR Specialist is independent and impartial, i.e., a “third-party neutral.” The Specialist does not act as an advocate or representative for either employees or management, does not perform the functions of a collective bargaining representative, or the decision-making of management, and performs in a manner that respects those roles.
ADR reduces the burden on the rights-based processes by deflecting many disputes to a more appropriate, mutually agreed upon process. Such efforts can boost morale by allowing for creative and effective workplace interactions and by reinforcing positive organizational values.
How to Contact the ADR Specialist
Cindy Mazur
ADR Specialist
cindy.mazur@dhs.gov
Phone: (202) 646-4094
Fax: (202) 646-3967
U.S. Mail
ADR, FEMA
500 C Street, SW
Washington, DC 20472
ATTN: Cindy Mazur
Additional ADR Contacts
Matilda A. Brodnax, ADR Attorney
Phone (202) 646-7900
matilda.brodnax@dhs.gov
Sylvia Covington, ADR Program Specialist
Phone (202) 646-2835
sylvia.covington@dhs.gov
Stephanie Fell, ADR Attorney
Phone (202) 646-4141
stephanie.fell@dhs.gov
Robert Scott, ADR Cadre Manager
Phone (202) 646-4604
robert.scott3@dhs.gov
Last Modified: Thursday, 04-Jan-2007 10:16:46 EST