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The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Excellence Awards Program was established in April 2007. The Program emphasizes the importance of effectively managing conflict and resolving disputes, thereby saving time and resources. Below are the ADR award winners that were recognized on October 21, 2011.
Alternative Dispute Resolution Excellence Awardees
Sandra F. Simmons, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 4 Lead Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Manager VA Medical Center, Coatesville, PA
Ms. Simmons is being recognized for her visionary leadership in managing a cadre of 45 collateral duty mediators and maintaining a premier ADR program in VISN-4 for the past five years. As a result of her leadership, mediations are conducted timely, pre-mediation coordination has been consistent, and performance ratings for mediation services have been outstanding. Ms. Simmons has a proven record for effectively managing conflict, thereby preventing disputes from arising and saving time and resources. She has contributed to the fair, efficient, and effective resolution of disputes, and has furthered the Department's mission and goals by promoting and utilizing ADR. She encourages all employees to use ADR and continuously develops creative and innovative solutions to workplace disputes.
Adam C. Walmus, Director VA Medical Center, Houston, TX
Mr. Walmus’ leadership in maintaining a positive work environment of acceptance and inclusion is the cornerstone of the medical center's ADR program. This is accomplished by utilizing strategic goals and objectives as tools to ensure the positive embracement and effective utilization of ADR throughout the medical center. His focus on early conflict resolution has assured that a wide perspective of thoughts are incorporated into addressing issues and concerns involved in planning and delivering the highest quality healthcare to our nation's Veterans. Mr. Walmus is a great example for leadership throughout the VA for emphasizing the importance of ADR, and demonstrating on a daily basis an unprecedented commitment to ADR that fosters an atmosphere supportive of early dispute resolution.
The Marion VA Medical Center Marion, IL
The Marion Medical Center’s ADR program consistently exceeds participant satisfaction performance measures. This program has 11 mediators, 7 of whom have been certified by the Office of Resolution Management. These mediators come from a wide range of disciplines, and have been so successful in resolving disputes that they are requested by other Federal agencies to conduct mediations. With its team of mediators, the Marion VA Medical Center experienced a cost avoidance of $308,771 in EEO complaint processing as of April 2011. Part of Marion's mission is providing exemplary services to our Veterans; this care is delivered by an engaged, collaborative team in an integrated environment that supports learning, discovery and continuous improvement. Marion's ADR staff reached this goal by resolving workplace disputes in a timely and efficient approach. This helps to ensure an environment of honesty and mutual trust, which in turn helps to provide excellent care to our Veterans.
