Welcome to the International Ombudsman Association

The mission of IOA is to advance the profession of organizational ombudsman and ensure that practitioners are able to work to the highest professional standards.

The International Ombudsman Association (IOA) was officially formed in July 2005 following the merger of the University and College Ombuds Association (UCOA) and The Ombudsman Association (TOA). IOA is the largest international association of professional organizational Ombudsmen practitioners in the world, representing over 500 members from the United States and across the globe.

The association supports organizational Ombudsmen worldwide working in corporations, universities, non-profit organizations, government entities and non-governmental organizations. Building on the traditions of TOA and UCOA, IOA offers a full roster of professional training and education programs for the practicing ombudsman professional and those interested in learning about our practice. In addition, the association works to support and promote the profession through strategic partnerships and communication with government agencies and other professional organizations as appropriate.

As a result of our recent merger, IOA is presently in an exciting stage of transition and development. We are currently developing a comprehensive new IOA web site that is expected to be available soon. In the interim this transitional site is designed to ensure we can provide information for those wishing to become more familiar with IOA and the ombudsman profession. Please bear with us as we continue to move forward in this dynamic transitional period.

Please take a few minutes to view this interim website to learn more about IOA. Do not hesitate to contact our administrative offices at
1- 908-359-0246 or email: info@ombudsassociation.org for inquires regarding our programs or services.

Janis Schonauer, President
International Ombudsman Association

* The term ombudsman is used to communicate to the widest possible community and is not intended to discourage others from using alternatives. IOA respectfully acknowledges that many practitioners use alternative forms of this word.*