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International Ombuds Association

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The International Ombuds Association is the largest international association of professional organizational ombuds practitioners in the world, representing more than 1,000 members from the United States and around the globe. The association supports ombuds working in and with corporations, universities, non-profit organizations, government entities, and non-governmental organizations. IOA works to promote the continuous development of the organizational ombuds profession through its Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice and its strategic partnerships and communications with professionals sharing similar functions and with government agencies and other organizations.

SBI is proud to partner with IOA to help the ombuds profession continue to evolve by looking for new and innovative ways in which to best meet the needs of its growing membership and to enhance the membership experience.

SBI provides a Managing Director to oversee operations and partner with IOA’s independent Executive Director to support IOA’s Board of Directors and implement its strategic priorities. The SBI team provides marketing, member services, and finance support, as well as event managment for in-person and online professional development programs, including an annual conference with more than 500 attendees and 40 educational sessions and a number of virtual webinars and other courses. Additionally, SBI provides support to the Board of Certification for Certified Organizational Ombudsman Practitioners (CO-OP®).

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Partner Since: 2019
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Geographic Reach: International
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Services Provided: Board Support, Event Management, Financial Management, Marketing & Communications, Member Services, Technology Solutions

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From Our Clients

What They’re Saying

For us, as a small organization of two staff members, SBI is able to increase our impact around our mission and effectively support us in the areas of finance, marketing & communication and event planning.

Shoshanna Sumka, Executive DirectorIndependent Schools Experiential Education Network

SBI took the management reins for our organization well into our annual conference planning cycle when our predecessor provider terminated relations unexpectedly. The SBI team hit the ground running and demonstrated superior flexibility and support to make the conference a success... and they have only built upon that success since.

Mark Patterson, Conference Committee Co ChairInternational Ombuds Association

WOW – just WOW!! I have been through a lot of conferences and conference planning, and I have to say—this was an extraordinary experience. I don’t know what it felt like behind the scenes but from where I sat, it was flawless. You all do better work than organizations twice this size with twice the number of staff. I am amazed and honored to work with you!

Ellen Miller, Executive DirectorInternational OMBUDS Association

Having SBI’s assistance and expertise has been critical to our organization’s growing success and in meeting the needs of members to connect and share information with one another.

Gina Galluppi, Newsletter EditorAssociation of Donor Relations Professionals

SBI's technical expertise, professionalism, responsiveness, organizational strength and depth, attention to detail and support has contributed to the quality trainings offered to our members.

Lori Cummings, Professional Development ChairWashington Recreation & Park Association

Working with SBI has provided increased capacity for the Board to focus on setting direction because now our leadership has the time to strategize on the future of a fast-changing profession.

Julie Bostian, Past PresidentAssociation of Donor Relations Professionals

During the first year...we were able to establish a solid relationship that truly has been fruitful...We look forward to continuing our important work in partnership with the SBI team.

Marcia Martínes-Helfman, Past PresidentInternational OMBUDS Association

The board meeting was fabulous. I think the diversity session was very well-received. The strategic planning session was great and gave us concrete strategic areas to work on going forward.

Teresa Costantinidis, PresidentWestern Association of College and University Business Officers

We love working with SBI! Preparing for and running our annual conference is made simple and straight forward due to their expertise.

Mousa Shamonki, PresidentPacific Coast Reproductive Society

I highly recommend SBI to any association seeking outside management.

Paul Dudley, VP FinancePacific Coast Reproductive Society

Delightful group with whom to work. Has gone to great lengths to understand, assimilate and coordinate the process of our Society.

Charles Coddington, Board MemberPacific Coast Reproductive Society

SBI has a "Team" approach and mentality in dealing with IOA. They go the extra mile in working with the various committees and leadership on tasks, projects, and strategy. It has proven for me to be a very comfortable relationship and one that adds value in ways that IOA has long needed.

Chuck HowardInternational OMBUDS Association

We've appreciated SBI's guidance, support, expertise, competence, kindness, and professionalism these past two years. We know that CERF 2023 is not your only client, but it sure seemed like we were. Without fail, you were immediately responsive to all of our many questions and requests. We also appreciated your positively and can-do attitudes. We think that if you had a motto, it would be, "Yes, let's make this happen!" Thanks in no small part to you, CERF 2023 is actually happening, and we know it will be a success.

John Rybczyk and John CallawayCERF 2023 Conference Chairs

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