Dutchess County EEO/Human Rights Officer Honored with 2016 Lawrence Cooke Peace Innovator Award
Poughkeepsie…Dutchess County EEO/Human Rights Officer Jody Miller has been selected as the recipient of New York State Dispute Resolution Association, Inc.’s (NYSDRA) Lawrence Cooke Peace Innovator Award. The award is presented to an individual or organization that has provided innovative leadership in the field of dispute resolution, based upon a local or NYS state-based initiative. Ms. Miller has been recognized for her continued efforts in the field of alternative dispute resolution through the creation, expansion and collaboration of various programs, trainings, and agencies designed to provide mediation and conflict resolution in the community. Ms. Miller was presented the award at NYSDRA’s annual conference in Saratoga Springs.
Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said, “On behalf of Dutchess County Government, we congratulate Jody on this tremendous and well-deserved honor. Throughout her career, Jody has made great strides in the area of conflict prevention, management and resolution while serving as Executive Director of the Mediation Center of Dutchess County, Inc. As EEO/ Human Rights Officer, she is advancing our efforts to make county government more diverse and inclusive of all individuals while safeguarding human rights for all residents. She is actively engaged with the community to bring together residents to facilitate discussions circulating around issues prominent in today’s society. We are grateful to have Jody a part of our county government team.”
Ms. Miller began serving as Dutchess County’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)/Human Rights Officer earlier this year. As part of her responsibilities, she is tasked with ensuring the County’s recruitment and employment policies and practices are in compliance with all equal employment opportunity legislation. She is also responsible for the development, monitoring and/or advocacy of the County’s Affirmative Action Plan. In her role as EEO/Human Rights Officer, she serves as a resource for the general public in the identification and prevention of discrimination and the protection of the rights of the individual. Ms. Miller also serves as the lead for the development of the Dutchess County Workforce Diversity Taskforce. Additionally, she serves as the Chairperson for the Dutchess County Human Rights Commission which is responsible for fostering mutual respect and understanding among racial, religious, nationality, disability, LGBT, and other groups in Dutchess County.
Jody Miller said, “Throughout my career in the alternative dispute resolution field, and specifically in community mediation, I have been fortunate to collaborate with incredible partners in government, non-profits, law enforcement, faith based organizations, courts and with members of the community, including volunteers. These partnerships have been instrumental in creating new ways to approach the needs in our community. I am thrilled to bring this experience to my role as Dutchess County’s EEO/Human Rights Officer and am honored to be selected as this year’s recipient of the Lawrence Cooke Peace Innovator Award.”
NYSDRA is a non-profit membership organization committed to the promotion of quality conflict management and peaceful dispute resolution. NYSDRA manages several mediation and arbitration programs for state and federal agencies, as well as provides training on various dispute resolution tactics. To learn more about New York State Dispute Resolution Association, Inc. and the Lawrence Cooke Peace Innovator Award, go to:http://www.nysdra.org/.
