Areas of Experience

Stephen Kotev is a conflict resolution consultant, leadership coach, and somatic educator with over two decades of experience serving both private and public sector clients. From 2016 to 2021, he served as Associate Ombudsman, Mediator, and Peer Resolution Program Manager at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where he provided confidential conflict resolution services, including EEO mediation, coaching, and facilitation for employees at all levels. In 2018 and 2019, he facilitated strategic planning retreats for the National Resolution Center’s Grievance Division and Anti-Harassment Program at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Stephen has mediated over 200 workplace disputes and delivered alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services to more than 15 federal agencies, including the TSA, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Department of the Navy, where he also mentors mediators. He is widely recognized for integrating somatic practices—drawn from martial arts such as Aikido and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—into his coaching and training, helping clients manage stress and embody effective leadership.

He holds a Master’s degree in Conflict Analysis and Resolution, along with numerous certifications in coaching and somatic practice. Stephen has over 15 years of experience presenting workshops on conflict resolution, negotiation, coaching, and somatic skills to a diverse range of clients, including the Transportation Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, the World Bank, the Ohio Commission on Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management, the Physician Leadership Institute, Adventure Associates, Kennesaw State University, the Hard Negotiation Insight Initiative, Mediation Northern Ireland, the Mediators’ Institute of Ireland, and numerous community mediation centers.