Remarks of Louise Phipps Senft (Baltimore Mediation) for
Forrest (Woody) Mosten, Lifetime of Service Award
New York State Council on Divorce Mediation
Annual Conference, May 2, 2014, Saratoga, New York
Daniel Burns, Presenter and Conference Co-Chair
Thank you so much Dan for embodying my presence this evening to honor my friend and colleague, Woody
Although I could unfortunately not be here this evening, I am so grateful for the opportunity to say a few words to honor the achievements of Forrest, or whom we all fondly know him as, Woody.
I have had the privilege of teaming with Woody on the Hopi Indian Reservation and watching him in action at every ACR since it’s inception. I have seen him operate in his own home state, as well as in other states across the country- working his warmth in every room in which he sets foot. If you have ever had the privilege of meeting Woody, you know right away that he has a gift for working with people- a gift that translates into his success as a mediator and as a pioneer in our field.
Woody has created for so many of us “our signature” and has elevated the business acumen of mediator’s across the country to think about their own signature. And we all know Woody’s, I know that I do and I am certain I speak for those of you here as well as for tens- if not hundreds- of others across the country; Woody’s signature is one of warmth and excellence.
Woody has always brought a smile to my face when at any given conference he is immediately engaged and interested in what is going on both professionally and personally. Woody has always made sure that he’s had the time to spend developing his professional relationships and I have been the great beneficiary of that.
This lifetime of service award is for length of time in the field and as we all know, whether it’s based off of the 10,000 hour mantra or the numerous years spent delving into the study and practice of something- this award is given to those who not only have the hours of experience, but those who also have the wisdom of age. That wisdom is best embraced and embodied by you in all that you do as a mediator, lawyer, practitioner, trainer and pioneer. So, here’s to you Woody! Congratulations on receiving this fabulous lifetime of service award and thank you for your dedication to the field of dispute resolution.
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