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Conflict center hires new director

Conflict Resolution Center trains people to mediate disputes

Shea Keesling

For the Palladium-Item

The Conflict Resolution Center has hired Elizabeth A. Harrick as executive director. She has been a program associate there since 2003.

Harrick, who is replacing Margaret Lechner, has a doctorate in social psychology from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and has done graduate work in women's studies. She begins her new job Monday.

The Conflict Resolution Center trains people to become volunteer mediators who can work toward peaceful resolution of conflicts between individuals and groups. It also offers community educational programs. Its office is on the Indiana University East campus in Richmond.

"I'm thrilled to be able to step into a role where I can be more effective in the community," Harrick said. "I'm really enthused by the mission of this organization."

Harrick has taught at Miami University and Earlham College and IU East in Richmond. She has worked with nonprofit organizations for seven years, including serving as a victim's advocate for the Butler County Rape Crisis Program and training as a volunteer mediator for CRC.

"Beth was chosen as executive director by our board after a nationwide search that produced several excellent candidates," said board president Jim Bower, "We felt Ms. Harrick was best qualified to lead the Conflict Resolution Center into its next phase of community service and growth."

Harrick has a particular interest in expanding the center's outreach to schools and in developing victim/ offender reconciliation programs, he said.

"I'm excited most about her excitement and enthusiasm for this position," Bower said.

Lechner resigned in May to pursue academic interests. She had been executive director five years.

The center has about 60 trained mediators. Lechner said when she started at the center it took on about 40 cases a year. Now, mediators take on about 100.

"Certainly there will be a lot more challenges to this job, but I look at them as opportunities," said Harrick. "Conflict is an inevitable part of life and so there will always be a need out there."

About the center

• The Conflict Resolution Center, based at Indiana University East, is a nonprofit organization that offers conflict mediation and education.

• It was incorporated in 1996, funded by an Indiana Department of Correction grant. A grant from Reid Hospital helped train some of the first mediators. Now, the organization receives money from several sources, including Wayne County, the city of Richmond, educational programs it puts on, donations and various grants.

• The center can be reached at (765) 973-8511.

MUGSHOT OF ELIZABETH HARRICK WAS ARCHIVED