May 17, 2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATIONAL MEDIATION BOARD

Re: Barbour selected as Mediation Research Specialist

Stephen E. Crable, Chief of Staff, is pleased to announce the selection of Rachel E. Barbour to fill the position of Mediation Research Specialist. She reports for duty on May 21, 2001.

Most recently, Rachel has been employed by the National MultiCultural Institute here in Washington, D.C. as a Program Officer. Previously, she worked at the Center for the Strategic Initiatives of Women, the United States Institute of Peace, and the Institute for Multi-Track Diplomacy. In these positions, she was a researcher, trainer, and mediator.

Rachel earned a bachelor's degree in history from Mount Holyoke College and a master's degree in conflict analysis and resolution from George Mason University. After graduating from Mt. Holyoke, she was a Legislative Service Commission Intern in the Ohio State House of Representatives and a Legislative Aide to the Chairman of the Energy and Environment Committee.

Rachel is a member of the Society of Professionals in Dispute Resolution and the Public Leader Education Network. Her independent professional activities have included facilitating group discussions on Interest Based Bargaining for the Montgomery County Education Association and serving as a consultant to the Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation, where she team trained park rangers and recreation staff in conflict prevention in a multi-cultural community.

Rachel's addition to the staff and her level of experience in research and mediation issues will allow the National Mediation Board to move ahead with Research projects identified in a survey of NMB mediators a number of months ago.