The Ombuds Blog: University of Pennsylvania Appoints Associate Ombuds

July 13, 2011

University of Pennsylvania Appoints Associate Ombuds

Marcia Martinez-Helfman has been named the Associate Ombudsman for Penn effective July 1, 2011. She will work in partnership with the University Ombudsman, Dr. Joan Goodman, to assist all members of the campus community. Dr. Gulbun O’Connor, who returned to serve as Interim Associate Ombudsman while the search was completed, will work with Martinez-Helfman during July to ensure a smooth transition.

Martinez-Helfman has over 20 years experience in conflict resolution and human resources leadership including serving as president of Zia Business Partners, senior HR director for Comcast Cable, and chief HR officer for the University of Pennsylvania Health System. She earned a BA in sociology and a JD from Penn and a MSW from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. (UPenn Almanac.)

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Organizational Ombuds

Organizational Ombuds serve as a confidential, independent, neutral and informal dispute resolution resource for a specific entity. They are accessible to a defined population and can advocate for fairness. These unique characteristics distinguish Organizational Ombuds from Classical Ombuds, mediators, arbitrators, and other alternative dispute resolution professionals. The term "Ombuds" is shorthand for "Ombudsman," "Ombudsperson" and "Ombuds Officer," which also are used widely.

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July 13, 2011

University of Pennsylvania Appoints Associate Ombuds

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