Marcus Stergio has been named the new ombudsperson for the MIT Ombuds Office, effective August 25, 2023. With over ten years of experience in mediation and conflict management, Stergio previously served as an ombuds at the U.S. Department of Labor and will join the existing ombuds team, working alongside Judi Segall. This appointment underscores MIT’s commitment to providing a confidential and independent resource for its community members to address concerns and conflicts.
The MIT Ombuds Office, established in 1980, has been instrumental in shaping the standards for organizational ombuds offices. It aims to help individuals analyze their concerns, clarify institutional policies, and identify constructive options for conflict resolution. Stergio expressed enthusiasm about joining an office with such a rich history, stating, “There’s this aura and legend around MIT’s Ombuds Office that is really exciting.”
Stergio’s background is extensive and diverse. Before his time at MIT, he spent six years developing a new externally facing ombuds office for the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) within the Department of Labor. There, he adhered to the standards of the International Ombuds Association, providing services to both external stakeholders and OFCCP employees.
Expertise in Conflict Resolution
His previous roles span various sectors, including notable organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United Nations Population Fund, General Motors, BMW of North America, and the U.S. Department of Treasury. From 2013 to 2019, Stergio was a mediator and manager of commercial and corporate programs at the Boston-based dispute resolution firm, MWI.
In addition to his practical experience, Stergio has shared his expertise through teaching conflict resolution courses and conducting mediation workshops at multiple universities, including MIT. He noted that there was a palpable interest in conflict management within the MIT community, saying, “People seemed really energized by the conflict management skills that I was presenting to them. There was this eagerness to perfect things that was inspiring and contagious.”
Looking Ahead
Stergio holds a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University (2008) and a master’s in conflict resolution from the University of Massachusetts at Boston (2012). His involvement in the field extends beyond MIT; he has been an active member of the Coalition of Federal Ombuds since 2022 and co-chairs the American Bar Association’s ombuds day subcommittee. Additionally, he serves as an editor for the newsletter of the ABA’s Dispute Resolution Section and is a member of the International Ombuds Association.
“I’m honored to be joining such a prestigious institution, especially one with such a rich history in the ombuds field,” Stergio stated. He looks forward to advancing the legacy of the MIT Ombuds Office and collaborating with the community to navigate challenges together.
