Burton F. “Buddy” Metzger has joined the Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire’s Board of Directors as a member-at-large. He also will serve on the board’s Personnel Committee.

Metzger graduated from Yale University with his bachelor’s degree in 1962 and from Columbia Law School with his juris doctorate in 1965. After completing his education, Metzger practiced entertainment law in New York from 1965-72. He served as the president of the Metzger Group, a manufacturing company in New York, from 1977-87. During his time in the Empire State, Metzger held many leadership roles and was recognized for his philanthropic contributions. He served as a campaign leader and was named to the Council of Top 100 Solicitors.

After moving to Georgia, Metzger practiced juvenile and family law in Savannah from 1992-2009 and served as the juvenile court’s judge pro tem from 2000-09. His community achievements and leadership roles include serving as president, a long-term officer and director of Savannah’s Congregation Agudath Achim, volunteering for the United Way’s Backpack Buddies program, co-founding and serving as a board member of Parent University, serving on the board of directors of the Savannah Jewish Federation, serving as chairman of the Interfaith Relations Committee, and focusing on interracial relations for the Mayor’s Council on Interfaith. Metzger currently volunteers for the Mediation Center as a civil and family law mediator.

The Mediation Center provides the coastal community with access to mediation and other dispute-resolution methods as an alternative to litigation. The Mediation Center also provides training to businesses, schools, organizations, other institutions, and individuals in order to enhance conflict-resolution skills throughout the community.

“We’re pleased to welcome Buddy to the Mediation Center’s Board of Directors. I’ve enjoyed working with him as a volunteer and have seen how his impressive skill set has proven beneficial to the center and those we serve,” Mediation Center Executive Director Jill Cheeks said. “I’m thankful he has accepted the position on our board, as I'm confident he’ll lead and serve the community well in his new capacity.”