University of Virginia Selects Next Ombuds

UVA has named Riley E. Barrar as its new University Ombuds. She will lead a program that serves nearly 40,000 faculty, staff, and students and supervises the UVA Health Ombuds, Henry Yampolsky, and a Program Coordinator.

Barrar brings more than 15 years of Ombuds and conflict management experience in higher education and federal service. Barrar previously served as an Associate Ombuds at Boston University from 2022 to 2025, after working as an Associate Ombudsman at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the U.S. Department of State. Earlier in her career, she was an ADR Program Specialist with the U.S. Air Force. She has also served in leadership roles with the Coalition of Federal Ombuds and the Federal Conflict Coaching Group. Barrar graduated from James Madison University and earned a Master of Science in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University, with a focus in Narrative Conflict Resolution, from George Mason University. (UVA Executive Search Group.)

Prior posts: Coalition of Federal Ombuds Announces Executive Officers; Boston University Selects Ombuds; University of Virginia Appoints Next Ombuds; UVA Health Names Inaugural Ombuds; Job Posting.