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MEETING MINUTES

Meeting Date/Time: March 9, 2016, 1:30pm – 3:00pm

Location: Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th St SW, Room 8-B516

Agenda:

1. Update on projects from the Executive Committee (EC)

2. Introduction of Two Guests

3. Open Discussion

4. Housekeeping/Other Announcements

5. Internships/Job Postings

Highlights:

1. Update on projects:

a. Standards of Practice: This is draft document is a reflection of the standards of 

practice of the IOA and USOA; may incorporate elements of the ongoing ACUS 

study. The concept evolved from a number of initiatives including COFO’s 

guidelines on how to “Stand-up an Ombuds Office” and the IADRWG’s work on 

conflict resolution standards. This document’s purpose is to provide education 

and clarity about the ombudsman role. There are examples of ombudsman offices 

established, by statute, that don’t appear to reflect recognized standards of 

practice in the federal government or in the private sector. 

b. ACUS Study: The deadline to respond has been extended to 3/14/16. Please direct 

questions to Lauren Marx with Chi Solutions (lmarx@chiresolutions.com).

c. Annual Conference: We are soliciting volunteers to help on the planning 

committee. If interested, please contact anyone on the EC. 

d. Training Opportunity: The EC is considering a training opportunity that will take 

place in conjunction with the annual conference. The idea is to establish a 

baseline before the conference. Target audience will be new ombudsman and 

attendees unfamiliar with the practice such as agency leadership. 

e. Peer Review: Peer review is an evaluation method used in many different fields to 

improve quality, uphold standards, and provide reasonable assurance of 

conformity with applicable professional standards. It is a way to review progress 
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toward its own goals and objectives. To date, we’ve received one request to 

conduct a Peer Review. Please note there are other, less formal, processes that 

COFO offers as an evaluative tool. For more information, please contact any 

member of the EC.

2. Introduction of Two Guests:

a. Megan Drefchinski , Federal Reserve Board (Megan.a.drefchinski@frb.gov)

b. John Vanyur Ph.D., John Vanyur Consulting (jmvanyur@comcast.net)

3. Open Discussion:

a. Norm Jacobson, Air Force ADR (Norman.jacobson2.civ@mail.mil)

Air Force Negotiation Center (Maxwell AFB) offers training to federal and 

civilian employees interested in learning more about the Air Force’s Model for 

Negotiation. They have their own material and can provide classroom training 

and webinars. 

4. Housekeeping/Other Announcements:

a. We’re always looking for ideas for agenda items/meeting topics. Please send 

suggestions to the EC. Two topics that were recently discussed are 1) Navigating 

confidentiality with external contacts and 2) What/How do you frame the request 

to raise their question/concern outside of the ombuds forum.

b. Upcoming Conferences/Summits:

i. USOA (External Practitioners) – Arlington, VA October 17-18

ii. IOA – Seattle, WA April 10-13

c. We will be moving meeting locations so please keep an eye on the upcoming 

invitations. 

d. When possible, send your meeting RSVPs to Guy Weber (Guy.J.Weber@nga.mil) 

e. COFO’s next meeting will be May 11, 2016.

5. Internships/Job Postings:

a. NIH Detail – contact Kathleen Moore (kathleen.moore@nih.gov , (301) 594-

7231) for details. The deadline to apply is Monday April 4th.

Meeting adjourned. 
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Attendees in person:

Berg, Mollie Department of Defense

Deyo, Scott Department of Defense

Doyle, William Department of Homeland Security

Drefchinksi, Megan Federal Reserve Board

Janson, Michael Federal Communication Commission

Maurer, William Department of Energy

Sotoudeh, Paul Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Vanyur, John John Vanyur Consulting

Attendees by phone:

Anderson, Jeff

Bedlivy, Dawn Department of Defense

Behr, Virginia Department of Defense

Bookstein, Monique Department of Justice

Epps, Ayanna Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

Fleming, Tasha Department of Justice

Fox, Angie Probation and Pretrial Services System

Gartlan, Jennifer Federal Maritime Commission

Harris, Robert Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

Jacobson, Norm Department of Defense

Kashden, Mark Department of Health and Human Services

Kinnavy, Noreen International Broadcasting Bureau Voice of America and Office of 

Cuba Broadcasting

Larkins, Marsha Department of Health and Human Services

McCullough, Robin Federal Communication Commission

Michael, David Department of Health and Human Services

Milner, Heather Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Qaasim, Kakeisla Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Roberts, Sara Department of Homeland Security

Sibley, Tonya Department of Homeland Security

Smith, Tyler Department of Health and Human Services

Swann,Benita Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

Weber, Guy Department of Defense