

The Texas Association of Mediators (TAM) is a multidisciplinary organization established to provide leadership and education in the field of mediation.
Comprised of a statewide network of mediators, TAM fosters the sharing of information and experience among its members.
TAM's Strategic Goals*
- Promote and encourage the use of mediation.
- Promote cooperation and communication among organizations and individuals that affect Alternative Dispute Resolution.
- Promote the ethical practice of mediation through education.
- Sponsor and promote professional development
for mediators and other professional dispute resolution specialists. - Fiscally sustain and grow the organization.
*Adopted by the TAM Board of Directors on 9/25/2015
History of TAM
Past Presidents of TAM
Kimberly Sullivan, 2020
Melissa Back McAlpine, 2019
Diane Harvey, 2018
Lori Ann LaConta, 2017
Jennifer Ortiz Prather, 2016
Pattie Porter, 2015
Ralph E. (Gene) Roberts Jr., 2014
Melynda Gulley, 2013
Portia Brown, 2012
Doug Skierski, 2011
Michael J. Kopp, 2010
Melanie Grimes, 2009
Margaret Leeds, 2008
LaCrisia (Cris) Gilbert, 2007
Walter A. Wright, 2006
Josefina M. Rendón, 2005
Linda Gibson, 2004
John P. Palmer, 2002
C. Bruce Stratton, 2001
Luciano A. Rodriguez, 2000
Virginia Bowers, 1999
Maureen Peltier, 1998
E. Wendy Trachte-Huber, 1997
Carol Hoffman, 1996
Michael J. Schless, 1995
Suzanne Duvall, 1994
John F. Guerra, 1993
Linda Hahn, 1992
Laury Adams, 1991
Florence M. Kusnetz, 1990
Susanne Adams, 1988-90
Marie Mullineaux, 1986-88
Gary Kirkpatrick, 1985
Susanne C. Adams Award
This award is dedicated as a living tribute to Susanne C. Adams, a visionary, a leader and a pioneer in mediation. This award was created in 1997 to honor Susanne, the first recipient of the award, and those who, like Susanne, set an example for the rest of the mediation community in Texas to follow.
A mediator since 1982, Susanne was active in the Texas mediation community as early as 1982. She was a founding member of TAM as well as the Greater Houston Mediation Network and the Dallas Mediation Council. She was the President of TAM from 1989 to 1990 and served on committees regarding ethics, professionalism and educational requirements for mediators. Susanne Adams died on October 11, 1997, leaving us with a legacy of inspiration and commitment to our profession.
The award is given annually to persons who have performed exceptional and outstanding efforts in promoting or furthering the use of mediation in Texas.
Past Recipients
Thomas L. Hartsell and Southwest Conflict Resolution Network, 2021
Kay Elkins-Elliott, 2020
Dr. Barbara Sunderland Manousso, 2019
Melanie Grimes, 2018
John P. Palmer, 2017
Marlene Labenz-Hough, 2016
Linda Gibson, 2015
Meg Walker, 2014
Mike Amis, 2013
John Guerra, 2012
Hon. Josefina Rendon, 2011
Carol Hoffman, 2010
Walter Wright, 2009
Laury Adams, 2008
Dr. James Gibson, 2007
Marie Mullineaux, 2006
Don Graul, 2006
Judy Dougherty, 2006
Gary Kirkpatrick, 2006
Judge Merrill Hartman, 2005
Bruce Stratton, 2004
Michael Schless, 2003
Maureen Peltier, 2002
Florence Kusnetz, 2001
Herbert Cooke, 2000
US Rep. Charles Gonzales, 1999
Suzanne Mann Duvall, 1998
Susanne C. Adams, 1997
Spirit of TAM Award
Volunteer Mediator of the Year Award
Year | Award Recipient | Nominator |
2022 | Jim Guinn, III | Brazos Valley DRC |
2021 | Charlsie Moore | Dispute Resolution Center of Montgomery County |