Community Mediation Minnesota (CMM) was created in 2017 as the umbrella organization of the state-certified Community Dispute Resolution Programs (CDRP). CMM’s mission is to promote the use of mediation and restorative practices throughout Minnesota through increased access to community dispute resolution programs and services. CMM helps individuals, groups, and even whole communities discover better paths forward, together. CMM also serves as an active network of alternative dispute resolution and restorative practices training organizations. The organization has been run by a 12-member volunteer Board of Directors (6 CDRP Executive Directors and 6 at-large members)…. Until now… Starting August 8, Mike Millios has joined the organization as its first Executive Director.
Mike will be working closely with the Board of Directors to operationalize CMM’s mission and vision. With dedicated staff, we feel confident that we will be able to expand our ability to promote the use of mediation and restorative practices statewide.
Mike served in the Army as a Judge Advocate and military public defender for 8 years before moving to Minnesota. Mike has served as a public defender and defense counsel since 2015 in the state and federal criminal legal systems. In 2018, Mike and some colleagues started a local non-profit, Karuna Community Mn, to offer mindfulness tools to people impacted by the criminal legal system. Mike started serving as a mediator as a volunteer in 2021 to help people resolve conflict and serve our community. Mike believes that people deserve access to meaningful restorative and mediation services.
“I’m excited to be part of this amazing team that offers space for people to be heard and have agency in their decisions. CMM and fellow organizations are doing amazing work. The staff and volunteers compassionately serve our community. I’m eager to continue and expand our mission. “