/PRNewswire/ - The American Arbitration Association^® - International Centre for Dispute Resolution^® (AAA-ICDR), the world's top provider of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services, has appointed its 2026 Board officers and onboarded four new directors. These moves reinforce the board's strengths in governance, strategy, and operations, fueling the group's enduring vision, worldwide influence, and advancements in conflict resolution. The changes took effect May 7, 2026, during the annual Board meeting.

The fresh officers and directors will steer the AAA-ICDR toward updating dispute resolution methods, increasing availability of impartial and streamlined procedures, and assisting disputants, attorneys, arbitrators, mediators, companies, governments, and communities globally.

"Marking 100 years of service in 2026, the American Arbitration Association reflects on its century-long legacy while planning for dispute resolution's future," stated Bridget McCormack, AAA-ICDR president and CEO. "Today, AAA-ICDR enables individuals and entities worldwide to settle conflicts justly and efficiently. The Board's direction is vital for advancing our mission, shaping strategy, enhancing offerings, and addressing the changing demands of the international dispute resolution field."

2026 Board Officers
The Board chose J. Michael Kirkland, CPA, CGMA, founder of JmK Consulting (Ret.), as chair. It also confirmed:

Matthew L. Biben, Esq., partner, King & Spalding, as vice chair
Barbara McGivern, Thomson Reuters (Ret.), as treasurer
Michelle Johnson Tidjani, Esq., JD, MBA, senior executive vice president and chief administrative officer at CommonSpirit Health, as secretary

"Celebrating its 100th anniversary, the 2026/27 AAA-ICDR Board of Directors, alongside President and CEO Bridget McCormack and AAA staff, will establish the groundwork for the coming century. I am privileged to contribute to this new era," Kirkland remarked.

New Directors Elected
The AAA-ICDR has added four new Board members. These experts offer backgrounds in law, business, technology, governance, and leadership, providing key insights as the organization pursues service improvements and sustainable expansion:

Michael Coyne, general counsel of Manulife, offers over 40 years in legal and executive roles within global finance, specializing in compliance, governance, risk management, and international activities.
Jennifer Deason, an experienced executive and public board member who previously led Home Partners of America as CEO, contributes skills in financial planning, operations, digital shifts, mergers and acquisitions, and growth across sectors.
Amy E. Feldman, chief legal officer, assistant secretary, and ESG chief at The Judge Group, Inc., provides extensive knowledge in dispute handling, labor law, compliance, governance, risk oversight, and litigation.
Eric Friedman, former chair and executive partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, delivers broad expertise in legal leadership, technology, intricate deals, governance, and organizational guidance.

2026 AAA-ICDR Board of Directors
An exceptional Board of Directors steers the AAA-ICDR, offering profound knowledge, skills, and commitment to promoting fair, efficient, and reachable dispute resolution. Here is the full roster for the 2026 AAA-ICDR Board of Directors.

J. Michael Kirkland, CPA, CGMA, JmK Consulting (Ret.), chair
Matthew L. Biben, Esq., King & Spalding LLP, vice chair
Barbara McGivern, Thomson Reuters (Ret.), treasurer
Michelle Johnson Tidjani, Esq., JD, MBA, CommonSpirit Health, secretary
Katherine E. Adkins, Affirm Inc.
Dayna Anderson, CMA, CFE, The Vertex Companies, LLC
Richard A. Anderson, Continental Grain (Ret.)
Michael Coyne, Manulife
William Crosby, Esq., Omnicom Group
Jennifer Deason, former CEO, Home Partners of America
Amy E. Feldman, The Judge Group Inc.
Eric Friedman, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (Ret.)
Dave Hindt, Thomson Reuters (Ret.)
Bridget M. McCormack, AAA-ICDR
Trooper Sanders, Predawn.ai
Kimberly H. Wiehl, Wiehl Properties Inc.

Consult the 2025 AAA-ICDR Annual Report for additional insights from the organization.

About the American Arbitration Association
The American Arbitration Association leads as the biggest supplier of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services globally. Celebrating 100 years in 2026, it has reshaped legal conflict resolution since 1926, converting global disputes into chances for resolution and advancement. A nonprofit, the American Arbitration Association aims to provide ADR with integrity, openness, and creativity.

About the International Centre for Dispute Resolution
The ICDR^® functions as the AAA's international arm and the premier provider of global dispute services. Launched in 1996, it assists parties from more than 100 nations via multilingual experts in cross-border proceedings and a panel exceeding 850 arbitrators and mediators internationally.

SOURCE American Arbitration Association