PalaverMD LLC

“We’re connecting through conversation.”

— Andre Phillips, President of Palaver MD LLC

Specialized Training Architecture

I believe the most effective way to manage conflict is to empower leaders with the skills to prevent it. My training programs are designed to be high-impact, practitioner-led alternatives to traditional academic models.

  • Labor Mediator Certification: A deep-dive program designed for Regional Coordinators and labor officials to master the dispute resolution process within the context of national agreements.

  • Conflict Culture Audits: Custom strategies for leadership teams to identify friction points within federal, state, and local government structures before they escalate into litigation.

  • The Palaver Tree Workshops: Rooted in ancient tradition, these workshops train leaders in the "Rhythm of Resolution," focusing on restorative practices that repair workplace trust.

Experience Summary

  • 15+ Years in Labor-Management Relations

  • Multi-Jurisdictional Expertise: Federal, State, City, Private, and Local Government

  • Certified Mediator: Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service National Panels, Community Mediation (Facilitative and Transformative)

  • Curriculum Architect: Specialized in Labor Leadership Development

Professional Experience & Training Portfolio

Building on a foundation of discipline, trust, and consensus, my career is defined by over 15 years of navigating the most complex intersections of labor and management. From the front lines of community restorative justice to the federal arbitration panels of the FMCS, I architect solutions that move organizations forward.

Executive Leadership & Strategic Advocacy

Executive Director | Montgomery County Association of Administrators and Principals (MCAAP) In this executive role, I serve as the strategic voice for over 500 school leaders in one of the nation’s most prominent districts. My work focuses on building a collaborative bridge between administrators and the Board of Education, ensuring that professional growth and organizational respect are not just goals, but the standard. I lead the charge in coordinating our collective voice to influence policy and foster an environment where educational leaders can thrive.

Commissioner of Mediation | Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) Serving as a Commissioner for this premier federal agency, I worked to prevent or minimize interruptions to the free flow of commerce by resolving labor-management disputes. My role involved providing expert facilitation for collective bargaining negotiations and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services. I specialized in the development of joint labor-management committees and preventative mediation, guiding parties toward consensus during high-stakes conflicts. This experience on federal arbitration panels has honed my ability to remain "labor-fluent" across diverse industries and complex regulatory frameworks.

Restorative Justice & Community Impact

Specialized Intervention & Community Mediation My commitment to resolution extends into the most challenging social environments. I have led critical gang intervention initiatives for the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) and facilitated restorative justice processes through Maryland Community Mediation. Whether working with state, city, or local government agencies, my approach remains the same: restoring the social fabric of the community through open dialogue and mutual accountability.

Veteran | Armed Services My professional foundation was built during my service in the Armed Forces. This experience instilled the discipline, strategic thinking, and dedication to mission-critical results that I bring to every mediation and training engagement today.

ASAE (American Society of Association Executives): Executive Member. Committed to the highest standards of organizational leadership, fiduciary stewardship, and board governance.

LERA (Labor and Employment Relations Association): Professional Member (National & DC/MD Chapters). Actively engaged in the premier network for labor-management strategy and workplace policy.

ACR (Association for Conflict Resolution): Professional Member. Adherent to the Model Standards of Conduct for Mediators, specializing in workplace and institutional dispute resolution.

USA Boxing: Certified Coach and Official. Dedicated to youth mentorship, discipline, and community leadership in the D.C. and Prince George’s County areas  

The Goal

Andre Phillips believes that every dispute has a rhythm, and finding it is the key to sustainable resolution. As the President of Palaver MD LLC, Andre has built a career at the delicate intersection of conflict resolution, organizational strategy, and human connection. He doesn't just settle cases; he facilitates a collaborative flow that transforms friction into long-term partnership.

The foundation of his approach is inspired by the ancient tradition of the Palaver Tree—a West African custom where community members gathered under the shade of a baobab tree to speak openly and listen deeply until a consensus was reached. This "palaver" was not just about settling an argument; it was about restoring the social fabric of the community. Andre brings this spirit of restorative dialogue to the contemporary workspace, honoring the belief that every voice is essential to the harmony of the whole.

With extensive experience navigating complex, high-stakes environments, Andre is uniquely "organizational-fluent." He possesses the rare ability to honor the strict structures of a workspace while maintaining the human-centered neutrality required to build trust across the table. His work is centered on the belief that while policy defines the process, intentional conversation drives the result.

Looking toward the future of leadership, Andre is shifting the industry's focus from reactive mediation to proactive partnership. He designs and implements specialized training and certification programs that empower leaders to resolve issues before they escalate. His approach is driven by a simple, forward-thinking question: How can we co-create a culture where dialogue prevents the stalemate?

Andre is a solution-focused partner dedicated to the success of every organization he serves. Whether he is facilitating a difficult mediation or architecting a large-scale training initiative, he brings a direct, warm, and intentional focus to every interaction, ensuring that resolution is always within reach.