AEA Ombuds Team
As stated in the AEA Code of Professional Conduct, the AEA seeks to create a professional environment with equal opportunity and fair treatment for all economists, regardless of age, sex, gender identity and expression, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, health condition, marital status, parental status, genetic information, political affiliation, professional status, or personal connections. Please view the AEA Policy on Harassment, Discrimination, and Retaliation.
Any AEA member who believes they have suffered or witnessed harassment, discrimination, or retaliation, or has another member concern, is encouraged to contact the Ombuds Team. All communications with the Ombuds Team are strictly confidential. Communication with the Ombuds Team does not constitute legal notice to the AEA and will not trigger a formal course of action or legal process by the AEA.
The Ombuds Team is an independent, impartial, confidential, and informal third-party resource to help AEA Members obtain information about AEA policies and procedures, develop options for surfacing issues, assist in addressing or resolving conflicts or concerns, and assist in bringing systemic issues to the attention of AEA leadership.
Learn more about or contact your Ombuds Team View FAQs
The Ombuds Team was established under a charter approved by the AEA President. The charter incorporates by reference the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the International Ombuds Association (IOA) and requires adherence by the Ombuds Team. The charter, as well as the IOA Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, contain important information about the Ombuds Team and the manner in which it functions.
Office Hours at the ASSA 2025 Annual Meeting
Nnena Odim, one of the Ombuds Team members, will be onsite during the ASSA meeting. The Ombuds office is located on the lobby level of the Hilton SF Union Square in the Marina Room.
Thursday, January 2 — 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Friday, January 3 — 8:00 to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 4 — 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 5 — 9:00 to 12:00 p.m.
Upcoming Workshops Hosted by the Ombuds Team
The new Ombuds Team will provide regular educational sessions throughout the year on topics of interest to our members.
From Bystander to Upstander
January 22, 2025 – 4:00 PM ET to 5:00 PM ET
This workshop will help participants identify and discuss strategies to use when witnessing destructive behavior, determine when each strategy might be most effective, and apply the strategies to scenarios.
Resolving Workplace Conflicts: Strategies from an Ombuds Perspective
February 18, 2025 – 2:00 PM ET to 3:00 PM ET
This workshop provides practical strategies for handling workplace conflicts through real-life scenarios attendees submit anonymously in advance. To submit a confidential scenario, email josh-ombuds@mwi.org.
Interactive Listening Skills
March 26, 2025 – 12:00 PM ET to 1:00 PM ET
This workshop will help participants identify and discuss strategies to use when witnessing destructive behavior, determine when each strategy might be most effective, and apply the strategies to scenarios.
How to Have a Productive Difficult Conversation at Work
April 24, 2025 – 3:00 PM ET to 4:00 PM ET
Learn practical approaches to address conflicts constructively, mitigate negative impacts, and create pathways for resolution, allowing you to refocus on your meaningful work.
Harassment, Discrimination, and Retaliation – How Ombuds Support Visitors
[Date coming soon]
This workshop is designed to help members understand how ombuds can support members who experience sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. We will also provide an overview of the AEA Lockbox, a secure reporting channel separate from the Ombuds Resource whereby an AEA Member can confidentially report conduct or circumstances of potential violations of the AEA Policy on Harassment, Discrimination, and Retaliation (“Policy”) or the AEA Code of Professional Conduct by another AEA Member.