AAA CEO Steps Down to Pursue AI in Courts, Interim Leader Named
Event summary
- Bridget M. McCormack, AAA President and CEO, to step down on October 2, 2026, to lead an AI-focused judicial initiative.
- Steve Errick, current Chief Development Officer, appointed Interim President and CEO.
- McCormack's tenure saw AAA cases rise to 580,000+ annually, expansion of mediation and international footprint, and launch of AI Arbitrator.
- AAA Board to conduct formal search for new permanent CEO.
- McCormack previously served as Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court and launched Michigan's statewide online dispute resolution platform.
The big picture
The leadership transition at AAA comes as the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) sector increasingly embraces technology, particularly AI, to enhance efficiency and accessibility. McCormack's move to focus on AI in courts underscores the growing intersection of legal innovation and technological advancement. The AAA's commitment to its technology roadmap, despite the leadership change, signals a strategic focus on maintaining its position as a leader in ADR services.
What we're watching
- Strategic Continuity
- Whether Steve Errick can sustain AAA's growth trajectory and innovation momentum during the leadership transition.
- AI Integration
- How McCormack's new AI-focused initiative may influence broader adoption of AI in judicial and dispute resolution processes.
- CEO Search Dynamics
- The pace at which the AAA Board identifies and appoints a permanent CEO and the strategic priorities they emphasize.