Standing committees were established to encourage greater member participation, expand leadership opportunities and identification of potential board members. USOA committees provide vital support to the Board of Directors in serving the membership and establishing a greater presence within the Ombudsman profession.

Conferences and Training Committee

Michelle Lucarelli-Beltran, Director/Chairperson
The purpose of the conferences and training committee is to develop specialized training and professional development opportunities for members by planning for annual conferences and training seminars.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee

Joel Schwartz, Director/Chairperson
The purpose of the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) Committee is to continually improve diversity, equity, and inclusion within USOA and its members. DEI Committee efforts include: creating a safe, respectful environment where everyone feels valued and can participate fully; supporting USOA members in their efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in their work and the communities they serve; providing opportunities for members to increase their knowledge about advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion; and assessing member experiences, as well as organizational culture and making recommendations to the USOA Board as required to implement organizational change. View their mission and vision statement.

Member Services Committee

Artie Whiting, Director/Chairperson
The purpose of the member services committee is to provide resources and opportunities for members by publishing the USOA’s newsletter, providing member offices with technical and other support, encouraging full participation of members in activities of the USOA, identifying candidates for leadership positions within the USOA, and providing other related services.

Membership Committee

Dennis Nyland, Director/Chairperson
The purpose of the membership committee is to foster membership in USOA by planning for annual membership renewals, conducting outreach to public sector offices, reviewing eligibility of new member applicants, monitoring the application process, and providing other related services.

Outreach and Development Committee

Richard Dempsey, Director/Chairperson
The purpose of the outreach and development committee is to promote and encourage the establishment of classical, legislative Ombudsman offices by providing educational and technical consultation and other services to local, state, and federal governments, agencies, and organizations. The outreach and development committee, upon request, may also provide educational and technical consultation and other assistance to local, state, and federal governments, agencies, and organizations that are in the process of establishing non-legislative public sector Ombudsman offices.