Kirtland's EO office wins award for ADR program

  • Published
  • By Kendahl Johnson
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The 377th Air Base Wing's Equal Opportunity Office received the 2013 Air Force Alternative Dispute Resolution Program of the Year award for small organizations.

"It's a good feeling to be recognized for all our hard work," said Ofelia Mejiaortega, EO specialist who manages the ADR program at Kirtland.

Mejiaortega said the success of the program is due to positive outreach and good working relationships between leaders and supervisors, as well as a strong commitment to the program from the mediators.

"Without the mediators and collateral mediators, this award would not have been possible," she said. "They believe in the program and are committed to it. They have seen the benefits and positive results firsthand."

The EO staff was recognized for its excellence in reaching out to the Kirtland senior leaders and general workforce, and for teaming with the local Federal Executive Board, mediating disputes for other federal agencies in Albuquerque. According to the award package, by resolving equal employment opportunity and other complaints though ADR, the office saved the government about $414,000.

The primary purpose of the Air Force ADR program is to find alternative solutions to disputes or complaint processes which may take month or years to resolve through standard processing. ADR brings the parties to the table to discuss the dispute with a neutral third party in mediating or facilitating an outcome that is agreeable to both parties.

"Bringing matters quickly to a close can save huge amounts of staff hours, allowing employees to refocus on their unit's mission," said Richard Knudson, EO director. "Another benefit of ADR is it can clear the air, resolve miscommunications and improve the overall human relations climate once these matters are resolved."

He said ADR is a "win win," as it benefits both the employee and the organization. He encourages Team Kirtland members to turn to the program when needing to resolve a dispute.