About Us

Staff Ombudsperson

JoEllen Ransom
Since June, 2013, I have served as the Ombuds for UNM Staff.  I support people in their efforts to build communication and collaboration.  A mediator since 1987 and lawyer since 1988, I am inspired by how effectively people can reduce human suffering and organizational costs of conflict by engaging in collaborative process.  As a result, I have devoted my career to providing people with informal opportunities to build collaboration.

I served as the first ADR Coordinator for Albuquerque City Government implementing and managing some of the first mediation programs of their kind in the country from 1992 until 2003.  In that role, I provided mediation training to hundreds of City employees and consulted to every level of government.  I have taught people mediation skills, negotiation, and constructive conflict management at UNM.  I have worked as a private consultant, mediator, facilitator, trainer, and hearing officer.

I am thrilled about UNM Ombuds Services for Staff which celebrated it's 20th anniversary at UNM in 2014, and I have great respect for each person who engages this office for support in building communication and collaboration at UNM.

Ombuds Facilitators

Josh Pando is the Ombuds Facilitator at Ombuds Services for Staff.  Josh’s most recent role was that of NW Ombudsman Regional Coordinator for the Aging and Long Term Services Department.  Josh also spent several years as the ADR Bureau’s Training and Development Specialist and ADA Coordinator for the General Services Department, Risk Management Division.  Josh is currently a graduate student at UNM’s School of Public Administration and is a trained, practicing, and respected mediator and trainer.

Anne Lightsey
I am fortunate to be a part of the UNM Ombuds Services for Staff team.  Every day I see staff come in, often at the end of their rope, and they leave with their goals identified and prioritized and with a game plan for how to create a collaborative and productive workplace for themselves.

I also teach UNM Staff Basic Mediation Skills Training (a 40 hour course) where, as one participant said, she "learned how to make magic happen."  I have trained and mediated for over 25 years, and as a part of Ombuds Services for Staff, I feel privileged to witness the strength, creativity, and dedication of staff to making this university a great place to work.

Ombuds Administrative Assistant

Margaret White