The Center Announces Shira May as New CEO

The Board of Directors is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Shira May as the new CEO of The Center for Dispute Settlement. She will begin transitioning into her new role beginning March 1.

Shira comes to CDS from Partners In Restorative Initiatives (PiRI), where as Executive Director she managed a vital community organization that helps build relationships, strengthen communities, and repair harm in schools, community organizations, and the criminal justice system.

Prior to her role at PiRI, she worked at Children's Institute, Alzheimer's Association of Rochester and Finger Lakes, and as Adjunct Faculty at Monroe Community College.

Shira holds a PhD in teaching and curriculum from the Warner School of Education, University of Rochester; and a bachelor's degree from University of California, Berkeley. 

Shira has completed Custody and Visitation Mediation Training, and Transformative Mediation Training, both from the Center for Dispute Settlement; Nonviolence Intensive Training, M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence; and Circle Facilitator/Trainer Certifications, PiRI.

Shira resides in Rochester with her spouse and son. She enjoys singing, songwriting, sculpting, and spiritual exploration.