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About Us > Julie McKay
Julie McKay, M.A., Sr. Program Manager, has worked for ten years as a mediator, trainer, and conflict resolution program designer. Before her employment with CDR Associates, she focused on community, commercial, and school-based dispute resolution. In addition, she worked for a non-governmental organization in Geneva, Switzerland on United Nations arms control and disarmament issues. At CDR, Ms. McKay specializes in organizational conflict management, training, and mediating complex, multiparty consensus- building processes.
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EDUCATION AND AFFILIATIONS |
Ms. McKay was awarded her M.A. from the University of Notre Dame, Joan B. Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, in 1993. She holds a Training Specialist Certificate (1997) from Georgetown University, and a B.A. (1990) from the University of California at Santa Cruz, graduating with Honors, with a major in Peace and Conflict Resolution. Ms. McKay received training in mediation from the Santa Cruz County Conflict Resolution Program (1988) and CDR Associates (1998).
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ENVIRONMENTAL & PUBLIC POLICY EXPERIENCE |
CDOT/RTD US 36 Environmental Impact Statement (2003-2005). Serves on the Public Involvement team for the US Highway 36 EIS from Denver to Boulder, Colorado. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Regional Transit District (RTD) are examining solutions to the transportation needs in the corridor and employing a proactive public involvement approach in conducting the study. The public involvement process includes a policy and technical committee as well as other approaches to inform and involve the public. Ms. McKay facilitates the station planning committees, which consist of representatives from local jurisdictions, CDOT, RTD, and the technical team.
Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Water Quality Division, Clear Creek and Fence Creek Watershed Based Permitting Committees (2005). Ms. McKay serves as the lead facilitator for two local committees composed of DEQ representatives, private landowners, conservation districts, industry representatives, and other state and federal agencies involved in coalbed methane development regulatory efforts. The two committees are charged with providing input and formulating recommendations for the DEQ to use as it develops water quality permits for each watershed. Overall, the Committee exists to help the DEQ make decisions that meet applicable water quality standards for the watersheds, fall within the agency’s regulatory authorities, and take into account local stakeholder perspectives. As lead of the team effort, Ms. McKay facilitates the committee meetings, develops meetings agendas, prepares meeting summaries, and manages ongoing communications among committee members.
Niagara Power Project, Niagara Falls, NY (2002-2003). Served as a co-facilitator for the re-licensing of the Niagara Power Project. The New York Power Authority (NYPA) used an intensive public involvement process, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) Alternative Licensing Procedure (ALP), to develop a license application with broad stakeholder support. The ALP is designed to gather input and build agreements with stakeholders on environmental, socioeconomic, cultural, historical, and tribal issues connected to the operation of the power project. CDR Associates designed and facilitated bimonthly stakeholder meetings of 100-200 stakeholder participants for the purpose of identifying re-licensing issues and making study determinations.
Federal Leadership Forum (2000-Present). Facilitating ongoing meetings of the Core Team consisting of regional leaders from the Environmental Protection Agency, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of Energy, and Bureau of Indian Affairs. The multi-stakeholder group is working to improve the federal NEPA process in the Oil and Gas sector. It forwarded its first-step consensus recommendations to the Federal Leadership Forum, and is now working to implement its guidance.
Bureau of Land Management, Lower Snake River District Situation Assessment (2002). Conducted an assessment of the prospects for collaborative planning, including public participation, in order to address land management issues associated with the development of two Resource Management Plans. Key issues for the RMPs included grazing, OHV use, habitat for endangered species, and access for hunting and other recreational uses. CDR Associates' two-person team conducted over 50 interviews and prepared a detailed written report that included recommendations for BLM's public participation strategy. The U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution supported the effort.
Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Local Sage Grouse Working Groups (2004-2005). Facilitated the initial meetings of the South Central Local Sage Grouse Working Group (SCLSGWG), which meets in Rawlins, Wyoming. The SCLSGWG is one of eight local groups established by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) to develop strategies for incorporation into the Statewide Sage Grouse Conservation Plan. The group consists of representatives from conservation organizations, industry, state and federal agencies, and agriculture. As part of the statewide working group effort, Ms. McKay designed a two-day facilitation skills training to equip facilitators and meeting participants.
Regional Transportation District, Central Connector and Southwest Extension Feasibility Studies (2001-2002). Served on the public involvement team for two light rail corridor studies to extend service to Denver southwest suburbs and to increase capacity into downtown Denver from existing and planned light rail routes. Convened the citizens Working Group and facilitated its initial meeting. Also assisted in identifying stakeholder groups, conducting public outreach, and coordinating several of the public workshops.
Regional Transportation District, West Corridor Environmental Impact Statement (2001-2002). Facilitated three public scoping meetings in the fall of 2001 as required by NEPA, and consulted with the public involvement team on process design and outreach strategy.
Air Force Base Conversion Agency (2001-2002). As a member of the CDR Associates' team, facilitated the implementation of the "Dispute Resolution System for Issues between the Air Force and Regulators" designed by stakeholder representatives from EPA, AFBCA, and state agencies. The goal of the system is to resolve CERCLA and other environmental disputes that arise during the base closure process. Ms. McKay helped develop the "User Guide" to the system that is available on AFBCA's web site. She authored the sections on interest-based negotiation and developed guidance on using a neutral third party facilitator.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region VI, Tar Creek Superfund Site (2000). Served as the recorder and process consultant for three public meetings conducted in the Tar Creek Superfund site, dealing with lead contamination in residential soils. All three communities are predominantly low-income; one is Native American. The purpose of the meetings was to hear and address community concerns related to performance of cleanup activities, health impacts, and the transition between contractors and funding cycles.
City of Arvada Parks, Trails, and Open Space Master Plan Citizens Committee (2000). Convened an advisory citizens committee to review the technical work and develop consensus recommendations for the master plan. Facilitated the eight monthly meetings of the citizens committee, which included developing agendas and producing meeting summaries. The committee forwarded its recommendations to City of Arvada decision makers. The process also included a broader public involvement component, including two public meetings.
Upper Silver Creek Watershed Stakeholder Process, Park City, Utah (2000). Under the auspices of EPA Region 8, convened a stakeholder group working to address hazardous substance sites in the Upper Silver Creek Watershed. Worked with the primary stakeholders to design an appropriate public involvement process, including public meetings, as an essential component of their deliberations. The group's goal was to reach agreement on clean-up alternatives within the CERCLA regulatory framework.
City of Longmont Public Library (1999). Facilitated the meetings of the library committee charged with developing policy recommendations on Internet usage. The committee developed consensus recommendations for the library board and city council, which were adopted. Also facilitated three public focus group sessions that were conducted to provide input to the committee. Worked with the library director and staff to coordinate the technical presentations with the input process.
Physician-Assisted Suicide Policy Dialogue Committee (1999). As a member of the CDR Associates/Healthy Outcomes team, designed and facilitated a statewide policy dialogue on End-of-Life issues, including Physician-Assisted Suicide. The goal of the committee was to advance public policy formation through collaboration among health care providers, medical ethicists, right-to-die advocates, pro-life advocates, disability-rights groups, hospice care providers, government officials and individuals facing end-of-life decisions. Conducted a project evaluation to assess the effectiveness of the model with the goal of replicating it in other public policy forums.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Restoration Advisory Board (July 1998). Evaluated the citizen advisory component of the RMA's restoration process, including issues of meeting management, planning, group dynamics, public participation, and organization of work. Developed a set of recommendations to improve the function and increase the effectiveness of the advisory board. In June of 1999, facilitated a subsequent meeting of the RAB Evaluation Subcommittee to determine the facilitation needs of the RAB and evaluate the current facilitator of the group.
National Environmental Coalition Strategy Meeting (October 1998). Facilitated small group strategy sessions of a two-day strategy meeting of a national coalition of environmental organizations. Worked with the coordinating committee prior to and during the meeting to clarify the goals and develop the agenda for the meeting. The outcome of the retreat was a set of strategies and action steps for the upcoming year.
Constructive Engagement Resource Guide (1998). Co-authored a 200-page resource guide published by the EPA on collaborative partnerships among industry, government, environmental, and community stakeholders. The guide provides advice and guidance on using collaborative processes to address environmental issues concerning local manufacturing facilities. The guide was commissioned by the Alternative Strategies Work Group of the Computers and Electronics Sector Subcommittee of the EPA Common Sense Initiative, a multi-stakeholder group charged with identifying and promoting innovative strategies for enhancing environmental performance in the computer and electronics industry. http://www.epa.gov/publicinvolvement/pdf/resolve1.pdf
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SELECT EXPERIENCE IN ORGANIZATIONS |
Resource Network for Conflict Studies and Transformation, Colombo, Sri Lanka (2002). The Berghof Foundation for Conflict Studies Sri Lanka serves as the implementing organization for the Resource Network for Conflict Studies and Transformation (RNCST). In October of 2002, Ms. McKay served on a four-member evaluation team to conduct a Project Progress Review (PPR) of the Pilot Phase of the RNCST. Between October 28th and November 6th the PPR Team traveled to Sri Lanka and participated in a number of project review activities. These included reviewing the substantial research and writing by program staff, partners and contractors; participating in a briefing and presentation by Berghof staff members, conducting 51 interviews with a broad cross-section of Sri Lankans and representatives of international non-governmental organizations and government-related development agencies who were familiar with the political situation and the activities of the RNCST; and facilitating a half-day issue and strategy workshop attended by fifteen key mid-level and senior influentials from the Colombo area and the East. The PPR Team found that in the first fifteen months of the RNCST's operation, the project has achieved significant success in achieving its major objective of enabling Sri Lankan political and societal actors to utilize the offers of the RNCST and take over an active role in the peace process. In addition, it has achieved significant success in enhancing the capacities of its partners to engage in conflict transformation work.
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (2001-2002). As a subcontractor to Windsor Technologies, Inc., a software development and information technology company, supported the State agency in implementing its Agency Compliance and Enforcement System (ACES). Worked with the senior management Oversight Group to facilitate the organizational change process within the agency, including decision-making, issue tracking, and communication. Conducted a mid-point project evaluation to identify procedural issues and develop strategies for addressing them.
City of Longmont Employee Mediation Program (1999-2004). Served as the Program Supervisor to design, implement, and coordinate the City of Longmont's Employee Mediation Program with the City's Conflict Resolution Committee. Oversaw the daily operation of the program and monitors the program for effectiveness in meeting defined goals. As part of the implementation phase, conducted a series of briefings with City supervisors and employees. The program is part of the organization's Continuous Improvement (CI) process. Also facilitated the meetings of the CI Steering Committee to review the three-year process and determine next steps.
Wyoming Landowner/Sportsman Rendezvous, “Redefining our Common Ground” (February 2002). Served as a member of the facilitation team for a two-day meeting sponsored by the Wyoming Stockgrowers Association and the Wyoming Wildlife Federation, and convened by the Wyoming Community Foundation. The goal of the meeting was to identify issues between landowners and users, primarily hunters and anglers. Issues discussed included access to public lands, private property rights, wildlife management, and open space. The University of Wyoming Institute for Environment and Natural Resources supported the effort. Denver International Airport (1999-2002). Designed and conducted a series of one-day training courses on conflict resolution and problem-solving skills for employees, supervisors, and managers from different divisions within DIA. The interactive courses included segments on the causes of conflict, negotiation skills, personal conflict styles, raising conflict productively, and communication skills. It was part of a series of courses on effective leadership and management.
United Airlines Supervisor Skills Training (2001). Conducted numerous conflict management trainings designed specifically for United Airlines (UAL) as a part of an overall three- to five-week course curriculum for new and incumbent supervisors. The CDR program provided a foundation for the ongoing management training course.
Fire Department (confidential) (2000). Performed a situation assessment to identify issues and recommend procedures to address long-standing internal dispute. Conducted telephone and in-person interviews with the primary parties, including members of the staff, city administration, and rural district. Facilitated discussions between representatives of the key stakeholder groups.
United Airlines People Solutions Program (1999). Worked with colleagues from the mediation firm of Whittenberg, Shaw, and Ross and United Airlines personnel to implement a dispute resolution system for all nonunion employees of the company. Co-designed the training for internal mediators and coaches, and developed the instructional materials for the two programs. As part of the implementation phase of the pilot program, conducted a series of supervisor and employee briefings at the Chicago World Headquarters site. Conducted workshops at the United Airlines UC/EO Annual Conference and for the United Leaders project team on conflict resolution and communication skills.
Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration, “Linking Planning and NEPA” Executive Seminar and Managers Workshop (2004-2005). Conducting a series of one-day Executive Seminars and three-day Managers Workshops that are designed to foster a fundamental change in the culture that underlies transportation planning and project development, focusing on integrating the environmental review (NEPA) process. Participants in the facilitated workshops, which are delivered on a state-by-state basis, include executives, managers, and staff from state departments of transportation, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Federal and State environmental resource agencies, and USDOT modal administrations. The outcome of the Managers Workshop is an Action Plan to implement steps that will lead to better planning and decision-making, enhanced environmental stewardship, and streamlined delivery of projects.
CDR Associates' Public Training Programs (1999-2004). Served as a trainer, coach, and programmatic lead for CDR Associates' internationally recognized training programs offered in Boulder, Colorado, on interpersonal mediation, public policy, facilitation, and organizational conflict resolution.
Washington State Department of Transportation (2004). Conducted a three-day training on "Practical Conflict Management Skills to Resolve Highway-Environmental Issues" to staff from WSDOT, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Marines Fisheries Service, and state resource agencies. The goals of the program were to enhance conflict management skills and build a more productive working relationship among the agencies involved in NEPA and the Corps 404 permitting processes. The training included segments on interest-based negotiation, conflict analysis, communication skills, and consensus building.
Bureau of Land Management, Boise, Idaho (October 2003). Conducted a three-day training course on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Collaborative Problem Solving to BLM project managers, staff, and members of the ADR Advisory Council. The course was part of the agency's effort to implement its ADR/Collaborative Action initiative. The training included segments on collaborative decision-making, multi-party processes, conflict analysis, convening, process design, and consensus building.
North Star Borough School District, Fairbanks, Alaska (June 2003). Conducted a 40-hour interpersonal mediation skills training for school district counselors, teachers, and staff and other professionals in the Fairbanks area.
Wyoming Department of Agriculture, Wyoming Agriculture & Natural Resources Mediation Board (2000, 2002, 2003, 2004). Ms. McKay has designed and delivered three one-day workshops to satisfy the refresher training requirement for Wyoming Department of Agriculture certified mediators. In 2000, as a collaborative effort with the Wyoming Restorative Justice & Mediation Association, she conducted, "Advancing Mediation in Wyoming," for practitioners throughout the state. The program addressed professional issues and explored opportunities for promoting mediation in the state. In 2002, she delivered, "Natural Resource Conflicts and Mediation" for a diverse audience of practitioners, university professionals, and staff from various State agencies. The course examined the evolution of natural resource mediation, explored trends toward stakeholder involvement in policy making, and assessed the use of mediation to address natural resource issues. The 2003 workshop focused on facilitation skills. In addition to the one-day refresher workshops, in 2004, Ms. McKay designed and delivered a two-day, "Advanced Facilitation Skills" training workshop for the department.
Colorado Department of Agriculture Mediation Training (April 2002). Designed and delivered a 40-hour skills training course for new mediators in the Department's mediation program. Participants included volunteer mediators, Department of Agriculture staff, and Office of the Attorney General staff. The program included segments on interest-based negotiation, interpersonal mediation, and multi-party collaborative processes.
Denver International Airport (1999-2002). Designed and conducted a series of one-day training courses on conflict resolution and problem-solving skills for employees, supervisors, and managers from different divisions within DIA. The interactive courses included segments on the causes of conflict, negotiation skills, personal conflict styles, raising conflict productively, and communication skills. It was part of a series of courses on effective leadership and management.
Larimer County Facilitation Program (2001 and 2003). Designed and delivered a series of training courses to equip participants in basic meeting facilitation skills. The goal of the program was to develop a pool of internal neutrals that can provide facilitation services to users throughout the County. The program also included a mentoring component, focused on experiential learning.
City of Boulder and Boulder Community Hospital Mediation Training (2001). As a collaborative effort between the two organizations, designed and delivered a 40-hour training course in mediation skills. Participants included hospital staff preparing to serve as internal mediators and city employees who regularly engage with the public. The program included segments on interest-based negotiation, interpersonal mediation, and multi-party collaborative processes.
Mares-Dixon, J., McKay, J., and Peppet, S., "Building Consensus for Change Within a Major Corporation: The Case of Levi Strauss & Co.," The Consensus Building Handbook, Susskind, McKearnan and Thomas-Larner, eds., Sage Publications: Thousand Oaks, 1999.
Ghais, S., Mayer, B., and McKay, J. Constructive Engagement Resource Guide: Practical Advice for Dialogue Among Facilities, Workers, Communities and Regulators. Washington, D.C.: United States Environmental Protection Agency, 1999.
"Mediation: Where the Field is Headed." Panel Discussion, Colorado Council of Mediators, Boulder Chapter, April 22, 2003.
"Promoting Interagency Collaboration around NEPA: The Federal Leadership Forum." The National Association of Environmental Professionals, Dearborn, Michigan, June 2002.
"Mediation in the Workplace." Panel Discussion, Colorado Council of Mediators, Boulder Chapter, November 8, 2001.
"Convening and Developing Representative Dialogue Groups." National Conference on Peacemaking and Conflict Resolution (NCPCR), Fairfax, Virginia, June 2001.
"Constructive Engagement with Regulators and the Community." International Petroleum Environmental Conference (IPEC), Houston, Texas, November 1999.
Practitioner of the Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR)
Member of the Environmental and Public Policy Sector
Member of the U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution, National Roster of Environmental Dispute Resolution and Consensus Building Professionals
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