John studied decision sciences and improvisation at Carnegie Mellon University, the art and science of negotiation at the Program On Negotiation (PON) (a part of Harvard Law School) and studied mediation at the Center for Dispute Resolution (CDR).
Rusk has skills in dealing both with the explosive emotions of parties to disputes, as well as the cool reason, formulas and law of the bonding and insurers.
Having practiced as an arbitrator since 1993, he has extensive experience in deciding disputes, both as a sole arbitrator and as a member of the panel. He understands the determinative factors that arbitrators and the courts will use to decide cases and understands the likely range of awards and decisions.
Finally, he has worked in the construction industry for over 25 years. He understands the bricks, mortar, steel, change orders and CPM schedules in a way few mediators can. He understands profit and loss statements, construction accounting and insurance issues.
He brings these three elements of expertise: trained process, experienced evaluation, and practical knowledge to bear on the mediations he conducts.
Rusk works to achieve settlements that resolve the financial and legal issues, but often he is able to resolve the personal conflicts as well. He counts as his highest achievements those mediations where the parties have emerged willing to work together again.
