Tara L. Kozlowski, Executive Director
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Tara L. Kozlowski is the Executive Director of the Dispute Resolution Commission (DRC). Originally from Indiana where she graduated with a B.S. in chemistry from Indiana University, she received her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Toledo, College of Law in 2006. Kozlowski is licensed to practice law in Ohio (inactive), Michigan (inactive), and became a member of the North Carolina Bar in 2008. Prior to joining the DRC, Kozlowski was in private practice with her primary focus on family law litigation in Wake County. She describes herself as being passionate about alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

Jennifer R. Suchanec, Administrative Secretary
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Jennifer Reid Suchanec is a Secretary for the Dispute Resolution Commission (DRC). A Delaware native, Suchanec has earned a B.A. in English with minors in History and Theater from James Madison University, an M.A. in English / Education from Agnes Scott College, and a Graduate Certificate in General Counseling from North Carolina State University. She is devoted to the pursuit of ethical justice and peaceful resolution, which shows in her work teaching English at Meredith College and William Peace University where she advocates the Rogerian Method of argument that asks individuals to seek compromise.

Erica K. Chretien, Secretary
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Erica Chretien is a Secretary with the Dispute Resolution Commission (DRC). Recently relocated with her family from California, Erica graduated from the University of California, Davis with a degree in English and has worked as a Certified Paralegal in a variety of practice fields, from civil litigation, family law, and trusts and estates. She also served as a Notary Public for the State of California and is dedicated to supporting the commission with compassion and professionalism.

Brenda D. Spence, Secretary
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Brenda D. Spence is a secretary of the Dispute Resolution Commission (DRC).  Originally from Virginia, she lives in Raleigh and earned her AAS in Paralegal Technology in 2002 from Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington, NC.  Spence worked in legal support for over 25 years and recently came out of her three-year retirement to join the devoted DRC staff in its efforts to assist in enlisting North Carolina mediators in advocating the successful realm of alternate dispute resolution.  She enjoys her Schnoodle, Harley, gardening, reading legal thrillers, and running 5k races.