Dispute Resolution Section Honors Frye, Laney, and Robinson

By Alan Parry

At its 2025 Annual Meeting in Greensboro, the Dispute Resolution Section recognized three individuals for their significant contributions to the field of alternative dispute resolution. Two section members, Chief Justice Henry Frye and Frank Laney, as well as longtime Dispute Resolution Commission staff member Maureen Robinson, received well-deserved honors.

Chief Justice Frye received the Section’s Peace Award, which recognizes individuals who have made a special commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes. Recipients are selected based on contributions to the field, including development of new or innovative programs, demonstrated improvements in service, demonstrated improvements in efficiency, research and writings in the area of dispute resolution, development of continuing education programs, and leadership with local, state, and national boards and legislative bodies.

Chief Justice Frye was recognized for his leadership of the steering committee set up to implement the successful pilot program that led to the Mediated Settlement Conference program in Superior Court. Presenter Frank Laney noted that Justice Frye was just the person for that job.

“He was known to be open-minded and forward thinking,” Laney said. “He also had plenty of experience working in the General Assembly. He was a kind and easy-going fellow that could assemble a team of court staff, judges, and lawyers to guide this new program through its first years of growth.”

Frank Laney was presented with the Section’s Harmony Award, which recognizes a Dispute Resolution Section member who provides significant pro bono service as a dispute resolution professional, contributes to the dispute resolution field through volunteerism and leadership, and participates in general civic, community, and charitable efforts.

DRC Executive Director Tara Kozlowski presented the award, calling Laney “a legend” in the field and touting his long career of service to the profession, including his “forever career” as a circuit mediator for the U.S. Court of Appeals, his years of service to the NCBA, and his decades spent training future generations of mediators. Kozlowski cited as just one recent example Laney spending countless post-retirement hours as a volunteer, taking over the Wake County Community Mediation Center, keeping it operational through a leadership transition, and transforming the organization into the North Carolina Center for Mediation, which still provides services daily to the Wake County community.

“Frank left no stone unturned and no employee behind,” Kozlowski said. “He adopted the good and the bad, never complained, and because of his dedication and time, the NC Center for Mediation is a success.”

Maureen Robinson, who is retiring from the DRC after 19 years of service, was also recognized with a Certificate of Appreciation for her tireless and vital contributions to the Commission and the field. Presenter Frank Laney described all the many hats that Robinson wore during her tenure, noting that she became indispensable to the functioning of the agency that allows mediators to do their work.

“She became the right arm of the Commission,” Laney said.

The section is proud to recognize the important contributions of these recipients to the growth and development of ADR in North Carolina.