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November 12, 2025Mediation Matters Hosts Open House to Welcome New Executive Director, Sierra Rigotti
Mediation Matters, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit conflict resolution center serving Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties, is hosting an Open House on Wednesday, November 17th from 4pm to 7pm to publicly welcome its new Executive Director, Sierra Rigotti.
Sierra Rigotti succeeds Sarah Rudgers-Tysz who served as Executive Director of Mediation Matters for over a decade before transitioning to her current role at the NYS Unified Court System’s Division of Alternative Dispute Resolution where she now develops and implements training for neutrals across NYS.
As Executive Director, Rigotti will lead Mediation Matters’ mission to expand access to skills and processes that help people through conflict and foster systemic change toward a more just and equitable society. The organization provides mediation, restorative practices, and training services designed to foster understanding, strengthen relationships, and promote healthy and equitable interactions, relationships, and systems.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sierra to Mediation Matters,” said George Lopez, Mediation Matters’ board president. “Sierra brings more than a decade of nonprofit leadership experience in program design, fundraising strategy, team development, and equity initiatives. Her leadership and passion for advancing equity and building inclusive communities is so needed during these times.”
Before joining Mediation Matters, Rigotti served as Director of External Affairs at the Center for Employment Opportunities where she helped secure roughly $100 million to support people coming home from incarceration in finding employment and achieving economic mobility. Rigotti holds a Master of Professional Studies in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University.
“With nonprofits under intense pressure during these challenging political times, Mediation Matters is profoundly lucky to have an Executive Director of Sierra’s caliber”, said Jim FitzGerald, Director of Operations who served as Interim Executive Director for eight months leading up to Rigotti’s hire. “Sierra has already shown in her first month that she is more than prepared to take on the multi-faceted demands of executive leadership.”
“When I reflect on what makes a community strong, I think of spaces where people are seen, heard, and empowered to work through conflict with dignity and mutual respect. Now more than ever, I know how vital it is to equip our communities to build a more just, healthy, and equitable society” says Rigotti.
For more than 45 years, Mediation Matters has been a trusted resource for individuals, families, schools, businesses, and organizations seeking effective conflict resolution services. With Rigotti’s leadership, the organization looks forward to expanding its programs, strengthening community partnerships, and continuing to make a positive difference across the six-county region it serves.
Mediation Matters will host an Open House on Wednesday, November 19th at its Albany office located in the Westgate Office Building at 10 North Russell Road from 4pm to 7pm, with remarks from organizational leadership at 5:30pm.
