We welcome your feedback. Please feel free to contact us with comments, suggestions or concerns. If you do not know who to contact about a particular issue, call our office’s main number at (518) 687-2240 and we will direct you to the correct staff member. You may also e-mail us at nysdra@nysdra.org.

Lisa Hicks    Executive Director (518) 687-2240 x 205
Lisa Hicks has been the Executive Director of the New York State Dispute Resolution Association since 1994. She is responsible for the effective management of the affairs of the Association. Lisa has successfully obtained and cultivated numerous contracts with state agencies to provide mediation and arbitration services through the network of community dispute resolution centers in the areas of Special Education, Early Intervention, Manufactured Housing and Lemon Law Arbitration. She also serves as a trainer and resource for mediators and arbitrators in those areas. In addition, Lisa has been a trained mediator/arbitrator since 1984 and previously worked as the Director of a Community Dispute Resolution Center in Wayne County, NY.  Her educational background and degree is in Special Education and she served as a teacher before her involvement in the mediation field.
Rebecca Goldstein    Director of Finance and Contract Administration (518) 687-2240 x 202
Rebecca Goldstein has been with NYSDRA since 1993, first as Executive Assistant, before advancing to her current job and responsibilities. Rebecca oversees the daily operations relating to NYSDRA's contracts with state agencies, as well as the planning and execution of training related to those contracts. Rebecca also serves as the Director of Financial operations for NYSDRA.  She holds two Masters of Arts degrees from  State University of New York at Albany.
Peter M. Frieary Jr.    Manager of Lemon Law Arbitration Program (518) 687-2243 (888) 825-3666 - toll free
Peter Frieary joined NYSDRA's staff in 1998, and deals with all aspects of the Lemon Law program. He serves as a resource for staff, arbitrators, customers, automobile manufacturers/dealers and coordinates with the NYS Office of the Attorney General. Peter is also responsible for coordinating Lemon Law training throughout the state.  He earned a Degree of Juris Doctor from State University New York at Buffalo School of Law.
Daniel Merkt    Director of Marketing and Communications (518) 687-2240 x 204
Daniel Merkt joined NYSDRA as the Director of Marketing and Communications in 2005. He is responsible for leading the association’s creative direction and maximizing exposure of its events, services and programs. He also manages all public relations efforts with media outlets across the state.  Daniel has eight years of marketing communications experience in both the private and nonprofit sectors. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Western New England College and has completed the Association Leadership Academy through the Empire State Society for Association Executives. He received his mediation training through Albany Law School.
Emily A. Menn, Esq.     Director of Education and Professional Development (518) 687-2240 x 209
Joining the staff in January 2007, Emily coordinates educational programming and oversees NYSDRA’s mediator certification. Educational programs include conferences and workshops for conflict resolution practitioners designed to develop new skills, build their businesses and explore emerging practice areas. The certification program promotes consistent quality standards for New York mediators through training, hands-on skills development and observation. Emily focused on dispute resolution at Marquette University where she earned her Degree of Juris Doctor and graduate certificate in dispute resolution.
Charlotte Carter     NYSAMP Statewide Program Director  (518) 687-2240 x 211
Charlotte Carter is the Statewide Program Director of the NYS Agricultural Mediation Program (NYSAMP) which is administered by the NYS Dispute Resolution Association, a membership organization for mediators and arbitrators. She has been a mediator for 15 years, and specializes in family and community conflicts. In 2004 she was employed by NYSDRA as the manager of a mediation program for survivors of clergy sexual abuse in the Albany Diocese. In 2006 she became the program manager of NYSAMP, a program funded by the USDA to help farmers and others in the agricultural community. Charlotte currently serves on the Board of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Greene County, and is the director of her local food pantry.  Charlotte earned her degree of Juris Doctor from Yale University in 1985.
Alison Ritchie     Director of Member Services and Event Planning (518) 687-2240 x 206
Alison Ritchie joined NYSDRA in June 2007 as the Director of Member Services and Event Planning. She works to develop and maintain membership and service programs for association members. She also works closely with the Director of Education and Professional Development to plan training events and conferences. Alison serves as the staff liaison to the Membership, Programs and Awards and Regional Committees. She comes to NYSDRA with over 5 years of experience in association management and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies from Providence College in Rhode Island.
Caroline Klapproth Administrative Assistant (518) 687-2240 x 201
Caroline Klapproth joined NYSDRA as a temporary assistant in October 2006.  She was transitioned to a full time position in February 2007. In her role as administrative assistant, she provides support to all staff Directors.  Caroline also serves as receptionist and manages the office supplies inventory. Prior to coming to NYSDRA Caroline worked for 11 years in Personal Insurance during which time she was Office Manager in two Allstate offices in Westchester County.   She obtained her Associates Degree in Office Technology from Pace University in September of 1995.