Mary Jacksteit is currently an Associate and Project Manager with the Public Conversations Project (www.publicconversations.org.) She previously directed programs for the Washington DC based Search for Common Ground, including the Common Ground Network for Life and Choice in the 1990’s. She has worked in various roles within the field of conflict resolution for over 20 years, including facilitator, mediator, arbitrator, trainer and program designer/manager. Reflecting her experience in labor-management dispute resolution she was appointed by President Obama in October 2009 to be chair of the Federal Service Impasses Panel, a part time service. Ms Jacksteit lives just outside Washington, DC.