From left, Regent Jessica Dumitru, Dr. Carol Berz and Linda Moss Mines.
Chattanooga Council Member Carol Berz was honored by the Chief John Ross Chapter, NSDAR with an announcement that she had been designated as an Outstanding Woman in American History.
In a surprise ceremony at the Mayor’s Council on Women’s August Luncheon, Chief John Ross Chapter, NSDAR Regent Jessica Dumitru introduced the award by noting “our awardee has achieved personal and professional success and could have simply relaxed and enjoyed life. Instead, she has pushed the boundaries of our governmental entities, civic organizations and business community to understand that the ‘other half of the sky’ has talent, knowledge and expertise that can benefit Chattanooga and its citizens. She has and continues to leave her mark on our community in countless ways.”
Dr. Berz serves as the District 6 Councilwoman for the city of Chattanooga, where she currently chairs the Budget and Finance Committee. She is also the owner and chief executive officer of Private Dispute Resolution Services, LLC, a mediation services and training organization headquartered in Chattanooga. Through public/private partnerships, Dr. Berz has overseen the renaissance of commerce, economic development and connectivity in a diverse business environment that includes health care, construction, government, employment and finance.
Formerly the director of Forensic Services for Joseph W. Johnson Mental Health Center, and subsequently its executive director, Dr. Berz also has served as a visiting professor at UTC teaching social policy, law and ethics. She is a board-certified diplomat in Clinical Social Work, with extensive post-doctoral training in mediation, law and conflict management system design.
Dr. Berz served as the chair of the Curriculum and Continuing Education Committee of the Mediation Association of Tennessee before becoming its president. She also chaired the Mediation component of the Hamilton County Courts' Pilot Project relative to Tennessee's Parenting Plan law. She spent 11 years as a commissioner with the Chattanooga Human Rights/Human Relations Commission, dealing with employment and civil rights matters, becoming the first chairwoman of that body.
Dr. Berz is a graduate of Leadership America in Washington, D.C., and former president of the Board of Directors of the Moccasin Bend Girl Scout Council. A member of the Tennessee Advisory Commission to the US Civil Rights Commission, she served on the Governor's Task Force on Church Burnings. Dr. Berz also chaired the Tennessee Economic Council on Women and spearheaded its Economic Impact Committee.
Dr. Berz is former chair of the Board of Managers of the Hamilton Family YMCA and a former member of the Board of Directors of the Chattanooga Metro YMCA, where she served on the Human Resources Committee. She is the 2004 recipient of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce Athena Award, a sustaining member of Chattanooga's Women's Leadership Institute, and a Board member of both the Chamber of Commerce Midtown Council and the Grassroots midTown Board of Directors. Dr. Berz was honored by the city of Chattanooga for her unique contributions toward advancing equality of opportunity among its citizens and currently co-chairs the Mayor's Council for Women.
Dr. Berz holds a PhD in Social Policy from the University of Tennessee, a JD from the Nashville School of Law, a MA in Administration from the University of Tennessee, and a BA in Human Services Management from the University of Tennessee, with additional studies at Emory University, Bryn Mawr College, and Harvard University. In addition, she is an IFTA certified Personal Trainer, an AEA advanced trainer, and a YMCA certified instructor and trainer in aquatic sports training.
Noting Dr. Berz’s impressive record of contributions to the Chattanooga, regional and national efforts to promote active citizenship and equality of opportunities, Ms. Dumitru brought the award’s significance back to the connection with luncheon participants. “As a small business owner in partnership with my father at Art Creations and a community volunteer, I enjoy the fellowship, exchange of ideas and the emotional and business support offered by the Women’s Council. If you agree with me, let’s hear some applause for our award recipient, Dr. Carol Berz, a leadership force for our Council on Women.”
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution emphasizes the role of women, past and present, in American history. Chapters are encouraged to select a notable woman from their state or community to honor with a recognition award as an Outstanding Woman in American History, submit well-documented recommendations to the state and national levels and then await approval. The Chief John Ross Chapter leadership was excited to learn that Dr. Berz’s nomination had been approved and worked with the mayor’s staff to make the surprise announcement.