CDSC Names Lincoln Taggart as its new Executive Director

Cambridge, MA – October 1, 2026. The Community Dispute Settlement Center (CDSC) announced today the appointment of Lincoln Taggart as its new Executive Director, effective September 30, 2026.

Taggart, a Cambridge resident, has more than 20 years of experience guiding nonprofit organizations through growth, transformation, and strategic development. At Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS), he served as Acting Executive Director, having previously held the roles of Director of Operations and Director of Development and Planning. Following his tenure at CAAS, he spent five years working as an independent consultant to CAAS and other nonprofit organizations, advising on organizational development, strategic planning, operations, and change management.

An attorney with experience in nonprofit, education, and special education law, Taggart has consistently advocated for mediation and collaborative approaches to resolving disputes. He is currently participating in CDSC's Basic Mediation Training program.

“Lincoln brings deep nonprofit leadership experience to CDSC at an important time in the organization’s evolution. His background in organizational development and capacity-building will help strengthen CDSC and support the important work of its mediators and facilitators,” said Amy Mariani, President of the Community Dispute Settlement Center’s Board of Directors. “We are excited to welcome him into an extraordinary community of pro bono mediators who devote themselves to accessible and effective conflict resolution.”

“Throughout my career, I have guided mission-driven organizations advancing equity and opportunity for underserved communities,” said Taggart. “I have long admired CDSC’s role in fostering stronger communities through mediation and accessible conflict resolution, and I am honored to help lead its next chapter.”

Taggart received his law degree from Suffolk University Law School and his Bachelor of Arts from Reed College in Portland, Oregon.

Martha M. Walz served as the organization’s Interim Executive Director while the Board of Directors conducted an extensive search.

About Community Dispute Settlement Center: Established in 1979, the Community Dispute Settlement Center is a nonprofit mediation and training center serving greater Boston and dedicated to providing an alternative and affordable forum for resolving conflict. CDSC promotes better ways to understand and address conflict through skilled teams of pro bono mediators and facilitators, training programs in mediation and conflict management, and broad community outreach. It is committed to making its services accessible to underserved populations and responding to emerging community needs.

To learn more: https://communitydispute.org