Dr. Berz is renowned for her extensive expertise in solution-oriented, collaborative problem-solving and program design across both public and private sectors. For over 25 years, she has served as a Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 Listed General Civil and Family mediator and trainer, particularly recognized for her authority addressing complex issues of the special circumstance of domestic violence. As the owner and CEO of Private Dispute Resolution Services, LLC in Chattanooga, Tennessee, she leads its mediation services and training programs. Carol also holds a prominent role as a Councilwoman for the City of Chattanooga, where she currently chairs the Budget and Finance Committee.
Her professional pursuits span practice and teaching in mediation, law, ethics, and employment and labor/management conflicts, focusing on corporate conflict cost analysis. Previously, she served as Director of Forensic Services and Executive Director at Joseph W. Johnson Mental Health Center, and as a visiting professor at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, teaching social policy, law, and ethics.
Carol's contributions to mediation are extensive; she chaired the Curriculum and Continuing Education Committee of the Mediation Association of Tennessee and led the mediation component of the Hamilton County Courts' Pilot Project which led to the creation of Tennessee's Parenting Plan law. She also played a pivotal role as Commissioner with the Chattanooga Human Rights/Human Relations Commission, addressing employment and civil rights matters and becoming its first Chairwoman.
Beyond her professional achievements, Carol is a graduate of Leadership America in Washington, D.C., and has held leadership roles including President of the Board of Directors of the Moccasin Bend Girl Scout Council. She has served on the Tennessee Advisory Commission to the US Civil Rights Commission and chaired the Tennessee Economic Council on Women, focusing on the economic impact of the issues that hold women back from living their best lives.
Recognized for her community leadership, Carol chaired the Board of Managers of the Hamilton Family YMCA and served on the Board of the Chattanooga Metro YMCA. Her accolades include the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce Athena Award and recognition by the City of Chattanooga for advancing equality of opportunity. Currently, she chairs the Mayor's Council for Women and the Advisory Board to the Family Justice Center.
Dr. Berz holds a PhD in Social Policy from the University of Tennessee, a JD from the Nashville School of Law, an MA in Administration from the University of Tennessee, and a BA in Human Services Management from the University of Tennessee. She has pursued additional studies at Emory University, Bryn Mawr College, the Deming Institute, and Harvard University. Furthermore, she holds certifications as an IFTA certified Personal Trainer, an AEA advanced trainer, and a YMCA certified instructor and trainer in aquatic sports training. Her professional memberships include the Association for Conflict Resolution, the ADR Section of the American Bar Association, the National Association of Social Workers, the Academy for Professional Family Mediators, and the Tennessee Association of Professional Mediators.
