Brian J. Bloch

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Brian Bloch, MA

Overview

Brian Bloch, MA, is the ombudsman for the United States Department of the Interior. Mr. Bloch holds a Masters degree in Conflict Resolution. For 10 years he served as a consultant with India’s Supreme Court Mediation and Conciliation Project, training Judges and senior advocates throughout India in the practice of conflict resolution. Mr. Bloch has published a number of papers including those in the Harvard Negotiation Law Review. He has taught conflict resolution at a number of Universities and Law Schools

Education and training

  • 2008 MA in Conflict Transformation, Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, title: Concentration in Organizational Leadership
  • 2003 Ombuds 101, The Ombudsman Association
  • 2002 Mediation, 40hr course by Cristina Casanova
  • 1976–1978 History major, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Professional experience

  • 2011 – present mediator, Multi-door Dispute Resolution Division, Superior Court of Washington DC
  • 2011 – present ombudsman, Department of the Interior, Washington DC
  • 2002 – present mediator, ISKCON Resolve
  • 2002 – present ombudsman, ISKCON Resolve

Teaching and training experience

  • Mediation: Trained judges and lawyers throughout India for the Supreme Court of India Mediation & Conciliation Project (2007–2009), University of Mumbai Law School (2005), ISKCON Resolve(2004 to present)
  • Ombuds: Trained ombuds for the Episcopal Church (Western Massachusetts Diocese) (2005–2006). Established an Ombuds Office at Bhaktivedanta Hospital in Mumbai. Training ombuds and ongoing consultation (2003-2006)
  • Communication, Conflict Resolution and Negotiation Skills: Taught seminars to over 1500 attendees in Europe, Asia, Australasia, and North America (1991–2004)
  • ICMS: Taught “Managing Conflict in Religious Organizations,” University of Wales Lampeter (2007 and 2008)

Presentations

  • IOA conferences (five times)
  • ACR conference
  • Harvard Law School’s symposium on Dispute Systems Design

Publications

  • Harvard Negotiation Law Review: “Creating a Faith-Based Conflict Management System”
  • Marquette University Press: “Peace-building in Hinduism”
  • Journal of the International Ombudsman Association: “A Look at the Ombuds Role in Cultural Change”

Affiliations

  • International Ombudsman Association – Past board member, regular presenter at conferences and past associate editor of the Journal of the IOA