Mr. Cerrillo has a BS and an MS in Geology, and hydrogeology at Syracuse University and Colorado State University, respectively. He obtained a certificate for environmental and public policy dispute resolution in 1998 from CDR Associates, and has been doing ADR work since that time. Mr. Cerrillo has also received a Certificate of Advanced Study in Dispute Resolution from the University of Denver.
A professional mediator since 1998, he brings a unique scientific perspective to the table. During his hydrogeologic consulting years, Mr. Cerrillo developed his mediation/facilitation skills while serving as a project and office manager for groundwater and environmental firms. On both national and international projects he dealt effectively with multi-discipline, multi-cultural personnel, clients, and government entities.
A few examples of Mr. Cerrillo’s ability to bring resolution to projects that were in conflict include:
- A major groundwater development project in Puerto Rico for large petro-chemical companies was stuttering along with different project coordinators causing an increase in the time and cost of completion. Cultural differences between coordinators and contractors were the main problem. Mr. Cerrillo, working closely with local contractors, got the work completed on schedule and enabled the firm to obtain additional work.
- A consulting firm working on coal mining and groundwater issues was being challenged by a coal company of not delivering. Mr. Cerrillo successfully negotiated between the owner of the consulting firm and the mine manager to resolve issues and obtain additional work for the consulting firm.
- A $13 million dollar groundwater development project in Somalia East Africa was two years along when conflict amongst the various teams broke out and work was at a standstill. Mr. Cerrillo was hired as team leader to reinvigorate the teams and get the project completed. Work was accomplished within the time constraints of the project, including the preparation of a 6-volume report to USAID.
Mr. Cerrillo has logged more than 500 hours of mediated/facilitated cases involving a broad category of disputes for the Jefferson County Mediation Program. Additionally he has mediated/facilitated land disputes, conducted arbitration of water related disputes, and given expert testimony on water related conflicts.
Mr. Cerrillo has been active in professional organizations throughout his career. He was a principal organizer and first president of the Colorado Groundwater Association ▪ National President of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) ▪ Colorado Section President of AIPG ▪ member of the Colorado Geological Survey Advisory Committee and the Minerals, Energy, and Geology Advisory Board (6 years) ▪ member of the Jefferson County, Colorado, Mountain Groundwater Resource Study Steering Committee (4 Years) ▪ and a member of the Mediation Association of Colorado.
