Board of Directors

Mac Stricklen – Interim Board President

Mac first came to Athens as a student in the late 20^th Century and loved the area enough to make it his home. He originally encountered mediation through his previous work in Student Affairs at Ohio University. He’s been involved with AAMS in several capacities over the years: as a volunteer mediator, a trainer, a board member, and as a soup transporter. He is also OU’s Ombudsperson, a parent, a cyclist, a hiker, a kayaker, and a companion to small funny-looking dog.

Jim Sand – Secretary

Jim Sand worked in student affairs for thirty-seven years, most of that time in residence life. Helping students and staff deal with conflict, educating students on social justice issues and leadership development were major components of Jim’s work. Retiring from higher education after working the past thirty years at Ohio University, Jim got involved with Athens Area Mediation Service (AAMS) during the fall of 2019. Jim returned to working for Housing and Residence Life at Ohio University in December of 2021.

Isabel Graziani – Treasurer

Isabel Graziani is an Associate Professor of Art History at Shawnee State University, who completed her PhD at Ohio University in Comparative Arts. She teaches courses that explore the intersection of social issues and visual culture. She is an avid traveler and has taken her students abroad to experience different cultures and visit world-class museums in Europe and Asia. Her courses facilitate meaningful conversations on visual production and issues related to social justice. Her travels to over 100 countries have broadened her perspective on cultural diversity. When she is at home in Athens, she enjoys outdoor activities such as cycling, kayaking, and gardening.

Cody Sigmon

Cody Sigmon is an IT Product Manager at Ohio University. He is an Appalachia native who knows first hand the power of strong, supportive communities. A former English teacher, local union vice-president, and community organizer in Richmond, VA, he and his family relocated to Athens in 2019. You can often find him out and about in Athens, whether it’s playing with his band in a local bar, working from a café, or cutting a rug on the dancefloor.

Fred Weiner

I grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y., where I later obtained my undergraduate degree from Brooklyn College. I then completed a Master’s and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Massachusetts in 1966. I was employed as a licensed psychologist at the Ohio University Counseling and Psychological Services Center, and in 2018, I retired as the Director of the agency. My wife Carole and I have been living in Athens for the past fifty-six years. I now have a small private practice, providing psychotherapy in Athens. Additionally, I have been involved with Ohio University Hillel for over fifty-six years, and have served two separate stints as Board Chair, the most recent being my current one. My wife is a retired speech therapist, and also served as the Jewish song leader at Ohio University Hillel. We celebrated our sixtieth wedding anniversary in September 2023. Our son Adam is in the process of relocating to Athens, Ohio.

DeeDee Dransfield

DeeDee and her husband Tim have lived in Athens since 1974. She was a special educator for 50 years serving students with disabilities, their families and teachers and training special education teachers. The values that were the foundation of her personal and professional life have led her to volunteer at the Athens County Food Pantry and Athens Area Mediation Service during retirement. In addition to serving as a Board Member for AAMS, she is a volunteer mediator and assists with AAMS fundraising endeavors. As the oldest of 7 children and the mother of an amazing son and daughter, much time is dedicated to family. In her spare time she is an avid knitter and tends an annual vegetable garden.