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The CERF 2025 Biennial Conference Ombuds: Your Resource for Addressing Concerns

Independent. Impartial. Informal. Confidential.

The term “ombuds” (pronounced “ahm–buhds”) comes from a Swedish term meaning “a person who has an ear to the people.”

The ombuds is an impartial, independent, off-the-record resource who is available on-site to hear concerns confidentially. The ombuds can assist with identifying options and resources to address conflicts or issues such as harassment, discrimination, or any violation of CERF’s Event Code of Conduct. This resource is available to all attendees, staff, exhibitors, and anyone participating in CERF 2025.

The Ombuds will be on-site during the conference for individual, confidential consultations at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Show Office A as follows:

  • Monday, November 10, 2025 
    • 7:00 am to 8:00 am, 9:30 am to 10:30 am, and 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm
  • Tuesday, November 11, 2025 
    • 9:30 am to 12:00 pm and 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm
  • Wednesday, November 12, 2025 
    • 9:30 am to 10:30 am, 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm, and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
  • Thursday, November 13, 2025 
    • 8:30 am to 10:00 am and 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm

Use the form at the bottom of this page to learn more or schedule an appointment with the ombuds.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about an ombuds function:

  1. What does an ombuds do?
  2. How do I contact the ombuds before, during, and after the conference?
  3. What does an ombuds not do?
  4. Who can use the ombuds service?
  5. What types of concerns are brought to the ombuds?
  6. What happens when you contact the ombuds?
  7. What might I gain by contacting the ombuds?
  8. What authority does the ombuds have?
  9. What happens to information provided to the ombuds?
  10. How does the ombuds differ from employee relations or Human Resources professional?
  11. How does the ombuds differ from a lawyer?
  12. How does an ombuds differ from a mediator?
  13. What sort of issues and concerns come to the ombuds?
  14. If I have a concern on someone else’s behalf at the conference, may I contact the ombuds, or is this service only for people who are concerned about themselves?
  15. How does the ombuds remain neutral?
  16. Will the ombuds participate in formal meetings?
  17. How is the ombuds unique and different from other resources at CERF?
  18. Are there some things that will not be kept confidential?
  19. Will the ombuds talk to my attorney or testify for me or for the company if I choose to file a grievance or lawsuit?
  20. Can the user of the ombuds services remain anonymous?
  21. Does the ombuds report to CERF on issues they dealt with at the conference?
  22. What if my question is not listed here?

Resources

About the Ombuds

Nnena Odim ombudsNnena Odim is an ombuds, mediator, attorney, trainer, and consultant with over 25 years of experience. She serves as a conference ombuds for clients, including the American Economic Association (AEA), American Planning Association (APA), and the Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation (CERF). She also serves as an ombuds for DAVIS Construction, the American Economic Association, and Emerson College. Nnena’s role as an ombuds and conference ombuds highlights her expertise in conflict resolution, providing support, and fostering healthy environments for professionals during large-scale events.

Her extensive mediation experience since 1997 spans a variety of disputes, including employment, housing, business, and family/domestic relations matters. Nnena has designed and led conflict management trainings for organizations like the Boston Public Schools, Coca-Cola, and Netflix. She has been trained by the International Ombuds Association and has served as an ombuds for companies including CVS Health and John Moriarty and Associates.

Nnena recently retired from Harvard Law School, where she served as the Director and Senior Clinical Instructor of the Family/Domestic Violence Law Clinic. Nnena remains an active attorney and is committed to training future legal professionals. She has also collaborated with the Harvard Mediation Program and the Harvard Program on Negotiation, providing trainings and supervision to students.

Contact

  • Email: Send an email to
  • Phone: (direct and confidential phone and voicemail)
  • Confidential web form – If you would like to submit the form in confidence, you are not required to give your name.

CERF 2025 Conference Ombuds Form

Due to the confidential, impartial, informal, and independent nature of the ombuds function, communication with the ombuds does not constitute formal notice to CERF.

The CERF Charter for the CERF2025 Biennial Conference Ombuds was established under a charter approved by Susan Park, Executive Director. A copy of that charter is available to be viewed here. The charter incorporates by reference the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the International Ombuds Association (IOA) and requires that the CERF ombuds adheres to the IOA Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. The charter, as well as the IOA Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, contains important information about the ombuds and the manner in which the ombuds functions.