Mediator Spotlight
We are very proud of our mediators; they are all dedicated and compassionate professionals. Because of the confidentiality of mediation they do not get the public recognition they deserve. We would like to introduce two mediators who have provided outstanding service in the agricultural community.
» Ken Hotopp · Schoharie County
Background: Ken started out as a forester in southern and western United States; then
worked for the DEC in western New York. Next, he worked for Cornell Cooperative Extension for over 20 years in
agriculture, human resources, and environmental education. Now Ken works as a consulting forester.
Specialties: Community and Family Mediation, Agricultural Mediation, Lemon Law and Marital
Arbitration, Financial Industry Regulatory Arbitration
Profile: "Ken is compassionate, confidential and competent. He is a dedicated mediator, and
is generous with his time. Ken enjoys what he does, and never refuses to help – even if it involves moving
furniture."
— Stephanie Borndt, Tri-County Mediation Center (Fulton, Montgomery, and Schoharie Counties)
"It is a little schmaltzy, but I am a mediator partly because many people I worked with wanted to be marriage or family consultants after they retired, and they all died before they got to realize their dreams. Also, it is the
right way to help farmers and others, and it is a way of adding to peace in the world." — Ken Hotopp
» Cindy Kyle · Monroe County
Background: Self employed as a Mediator/Arbitrator and Image Consultant, working
in TV, film and motion pictures for 30 years, raised on a farm.
Specialties: Discrimination/Civil Rights, Agricultural Mediation, Employer Relations, Special
Education, Construction, PINS
Profile: "Cindy is enthusiastic and a firm believer in the mediation process, and in people
designing their own solutions. She is a true professional and is also very good at making people feel comfortable
"
— Pat Levine, Center For Dispute Settlement, Seneca County
"I just love to mediate. At the end of the day when you can get people to reach a better understanding and
resolve some issues – you just never know how it might make their lives a little better or easier."
— Cindy Kyle