MEET OUR MEDIATORS
REQUEST MEDIATIONMeet Our Mediators
Our mediators are all familiar with farming and rural issues. They are experienced and attend yearly training to maintain their skills.
Adam C. O'Neal
Credit Counselor
- Adam C. O’Neal has bachelor’s degrees in business administration in Management and Human Resource Management, as well as a Master of Business Administration. He has taught business, accounting, agribusiness, and student development courses at Virginia Western Community College where he helped to develop the college’s agriculture program
- He is also a STEM Program Advisor at the College.
- Mr. O’Neal served in the United States Navy for twenty years as an Engineering Watch Supervisor and a Master Engineering Laboratory Technician.
- In other positions, he managed projects of up to a million dollars.
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Wanda Braithwaite-Baril
Mediator
- Studied at Casco Bay College
- Experienced Farm industry Mediator and Facilitator
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Janet Ford
Mediator, Professor at Western Carolina University.
- J.D., University of South Carolina in 1998
- BM from Furman University in 1985
Aaron Thompson
Mediator
Aaron Thompson, M.A. Former Director of Mediation Services of the Center for Dialogue, Brevard, NC. NCAMP mediator since its inception in 2007.
M.A. Philosophy, University of South Carolina
Joan Kimmel
Mediator
- MA In Conflict Resolution, University of NC Greensboro
- Experienced Farm Industry Mediator
Andy Silver
Mediator
A 21-year mediator having started mediating NCAMP disputes at the program’s inception
- Mediates for other state and federal agencies and is a North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission (or NCDRC) Certified Family Financial Mediator
- Master’s degree in Conflict Resolution from Columbia College, Columbia SC (1999).
- His website features other credentials and certifications at ResolutionExperts.com
- Previously, five years as a Human Resources generalist for the Charlotte DuPont organization
Mediation Director: Bob Holbert
Bob Holbert has been a Mediator with NCAMP since program’s inception in 2007, he’s also a lifelong resident of Polk County , NC. He’s married to his wife Linda and together that have two sons and five grandchildren.
He received A Bachelor of Science degree in Social Sciences Appalachian State University. He has spent 30 years working closely with USDA’s (United States Department Of Agriculture) Farm Service Agency.
Mr. Holbert was formerly employed with Polk County Clerk of Court. Mr. Holbert also has work with North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission (Or NCDRC) Certified Superior Court Mediator since 2007.
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Debra Burke
Executive Director
Debra Burke is a Professor of Business Administration & Law in the College of Business at Western Carolina University.
- Master’s degree in Public Affairs
- Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Texas.
- Professor Burke’s research interests include contract law, employment law and pedagogical studies.
- She was licensed to practice law in Texas.
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