American Arbitration Association Announces New Interim Leadership Amid Strategic Transition

American Arbitration Association Announces New Interim Leadership

The American Arbitration Association (AAA) has made headlines with its recent announcement regarding a significant leadership transition. President and CEO Bridget M. McCormack will step down from her position effective October 2, 2026. McCormack, who has had a distinguished career in the judiciary, including her role as Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, is poised to lead a new initiative aimed at integrating artificial intelligence into judicial processes.

Her departure marks a pivotal moment for the AAA, which has been advancing innovative strategies for dispute resolution under her leadership. During her tenure, the organization saw a dramatic increase in annual cases filed, surpassing the notable landmark of 580,000, enhanced its mediation services, and expanded its international footprint. McCormack has also been instrumental in launching cutting-edge technology partnerships that have transformed traditional arbitration practices, including the introduction of the AAA AI Arbitrator.

Upon announcing her transition, McCormack expressed her enthusiasm for the new venture, stating, "An opportunity came along that sits at the intersection of work I have cared about throughout my career – access to justice, institutional innovation, and the potential of technology. The chance to build something focused specifically on judges feels like an opportunity I could not turn down."

Steve Errick, the current Chief Development Officer and a former board member, has been appointed as the Interim President and CEO. The AAA-ICDR Board of Directors has emphasized its commitment to providing consistent, trusted dispute resolution services during this transitional phase.

Errick’s role as Interim President and CEO will begin on October 2, and the Board plans to conduct a formal search for a permanent replacement. The AAA remains optimistic about its future, holding firm to its mission and strategies that have proven effective under McCormack’s leadership. J. Michael Kirkland, the Chair of the AAA-ICDR Board of Directors, stated, "Bridget leaves the AAA stronger, more innovative, and more relevant than she found it. Our commitments to the parties we serve and our technology roadmap are unchanged."

Bridget McCormack’s influence on the AAA has been profound. She joined the organization in February 2023 after a decade in the Michigan Supreme Court. Her legal expertise has not only strengthened AAA’s position but has also highlighted the importance of technology in improving dispute resolution processes. Under her guidance, AAA developed a statewide online dispute resolution platform, revolutionizing access to justice, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when remote hearings became a necessity.

Throughout her career, McCormack has also engaged in academia, serving as the Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at the University of Michigan Law School, where she co-directed the Michigan Innocence Clinic, and has taught courses about the implications of AI in law at the University of Pennsylvania.

As the AAA moves forward, it faces the continuing challenge of adapting to an evolving legal landscape that increasingly relies on technology. The organization, established in 1926, has a long-standing commitment to providing fair and efficient dispute resolution. This dedication is reflected in its innovative services that aim to redefine the future of arbitration and mediation.

For nearly a century, the AAA has been at the forefront of alternative dispute resolution, maintaining its mission to deliver services with integrity and transparency. As the search for a new CEO unfolds, both the Board and the team at AAA are confident that the foundation built by McCormack will support continued growth and improvement in dispute resolution practices. The AAA stands at a crossroads, ready to embrace new leadership while building upon its legacy of innovation and service excellence.