Theresa Hobbs is the Executive Director of the New York State Dispute Resolution Association (NYSDRA), where she oversees strategic planning, financial management, and the supervision of both administrative and program management teams. Her leadership is instrumental in ensuring that NYSDRA continues to deliver high-quality alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services and effectively supports its membership base, including individual practitioners and the statewide network of Community Dispute Resolution Centers (CDRCs) serving all 62 counties in New York.
With over fifteen years of professional leadership and business management experience across corporate settings, higher education, and community-based organizations focused on access to justice, Theresa brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Her career is marked by a proven ability to drive consensus, manage complex projects, and implement innovative solutions that meet organizational goals.
Prior to joining NYSDRA, Theresa held key leadership roles in both higher education and nonprofit organizations. As a member of the executive team, she developed and implemented a comprehensive strategic plan for a higher education institution, ensuring operational excellence and institutional growth. In her role as Vice President for Compliance, she designed and executed a robust Ethics and Compliance program for a nonprofit organization, strengthening governance and regulatory adherence.
Theresa has been nationally recognized for her leadership and contributions to the field of dispute resolution. In 2025, she received the David Brandon Community Mediation Regional Catalyst Award from the National Association for Community Mediation (NAFCM), recognizing her transformative leadership and measurable impact on community mediation and access to justice throughout New York State. During her tenure at NYSDRA, she coordinated a statewide advocacy effort that secured a historic $3 million increase in state funding for ADR programs, expanded statewide service capacity, led a comprehensive digital transformation, and established an Advisory Board chaired by Hon. Lawrence K. Marks, former Chief Administrative Judge of the New York State Unified Court System. She was also recognized by the National Diversity Council in 2020 for her leadership and contributions to organizational excellence.
She holds a Bachelor of Science from SUNY, a Juris Doctor, and a Master of Business Administration from Western New England University.