Marcus Stergio Appointed Ombudsperson at MIT’s Ombuds Office
Marcus Stergio has been appointed as the new ombudsperson for the MIT Ombuds Office, effective August 25, 2023. Bringing over a decade of expertise in mediation and conflict management, Stergio will work alongside current ombudsperson Judi Segall to support the MIT community in addressing and resolving concerns.
The MIT Ombuds Office, established in 1980, serves as a confidential resource for all members of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology community. It aims to constructively manage conflicts and concerns, helping individuals navigate challenges related to their experiences at the institution. The office has been influential in shaping the ombuds profession and developing standards of practice for organizational ombuds offices.
In reflecting on his new role, Stergio expressed excitement about the reputation of the MIT Ombuds Office. “There’s this aura and legend around MIT’s Ombuds Office that is really exciting,” he stated, emphasizing the versatility of the ombudsperson role. Stergio noted that the office can employ various conflict resolution strategies, whether through informal conversations or more structured processes.
Before joining MIT, Stergio held the position of ombuds at the U.S. Department of Labor for six years. During his tenure, he successfully established a new ombuds office for the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), adhering to the standards set by the International Ombuds Association. His work included providing support to both external stakeholders and OFCCP employees.
Stergio’s extensive background includes serving as an ombudsperson and conflict management specialist for various organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United Nations Population Fund, General Motors, and BMW of North America. He also spent time as a mediator and manager of commercial and corporate programs at the Boston-based dispute resolution firm MWI from 2013 to 2019.
His academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University in 2008 and a master’s degree in conflict resolution from the University of Massachusetts at Boston in 2012. Stergio has also contributed to the field through teaching conflict resolution courses and conducting mediation workshops at various universities, including MIT.
In his reflections about the MIT community, Stergio noted the enthusiasm he observed among students, faculty, and staff for learning conflict management skills. “There was something about the MIT community… People seemed really energized by the conflict management skills that I was presenting to them,” he recalled.
Expressing his enthusiasm for his new position, Stergio stated, “I’m honored to be joining such a prestigious institution, especially one with such a rich history in the ombuds field. I look forward to building on that legacy and working with the MIT community to navigate challenges together.”
Stergio has been actively involved in the ombudsperson community, serving on the executive committee of the Coalition of Federal Ombuds since 2022. He has also held leadership roles in the American Bar Association’s ombuds day subcommittee and has contributed as an editor for the newsletter of the ABA’s Dispute Resolution Section. Additionally, he is a member of the International Ombuds Association, further underscoring his commitment to the field of conflict resolution.
