MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDALS AWARDED AT NATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association presented Meritorious Service Medals to five FBI Citizens Academy program alumni for outstanding accomplishments. The medal is the highest honor awarded by the President of the Alumni Association to individuals who have distinguished themselves by outstanding service and accomplishments over a sustained period of time.
This year’s recipients are: Pam Connell, National Director for Chapter Resources and Education; Kevin Fletcher, National Historian; Brenda Kanno, National Director of Communications; Kelly Lopez, National Vice President for Chapter Services; and Jennifer Urban, Esq., National General Counsel.
“The volunteer contributions of these five individuals have been extraordinary in building the infrastructure, services, and expertise to serve the Association’s affiliate chapters in their mission to support the FBI,” said Valerie Minner, President of the National Board of Directors. “They personify the highest standards and principles of the FBI and FBI National CAAA.”
The recognitions were presented at the Association’s National Leadership Conference in Tampa, Florida. Learn more at https://bit.ly/MeritSvc.
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FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBINCAAA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all-volunteer organization that works in partnership with the FBI to promote public safety and security through community engagement, education, and outreach initiatives. Founded in 2005, the National organization provides training, resources, and governance oversight for 56 local FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association Chapters representing more than 53,000 business, civic, religious, and community leaders across the U.S., Guam, and Puerto Rico.
PRESIDENTIAL GOLD SERVICE MEDALS AWARDED AT NATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
(St. Petersburg, Florida, July 14, 2025) – FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBINCAAA) awarded Presidential Gold Service Medals to three FBI Citizens Academy alumni for outstanding accomplishments in supporting the outreach mission and goals of the FBI and FBI National CAAA. The medals were presented at the Association’s Annual National Leadership Conference in Tampa, Florida.
Jacques Hakim and Dan Sallade of FBI Tampa Citizens Academy Alumni Association, were honored for their leadership in partnering with FBI National CAAA to host the highly successful FBINCAAA National Leadership Conference in Tampa, Florida, June 25-27, 2025. Mr. Hakim serves as President of the FBINCAAA Tampa Chapter and also as a Regional Chapter Coordinator for the national association’s Chapter Engagement Team. As president of the Tampa Chapter, he worked diligently with the National Board of Directors as well as the FBI Tampa Field Office to plan and produce the three-day event.
Mr. Sallade, who also serves on the Tampa Chapter’s Board of Directors, was instrumental in working with the National Leadership Conference team to procure, customize, and launch a digital app providing convenient access to information about the conference agenda, speakers, and events, as well as to facilitate networking among conference attendees.
Also honored was Bill Evans, a 2008 graduate of the FBI Knoxville Citizens Academy Program. Mr. Evans served on the FBI Knoxville CAAA Board of Directors and is an active advocate of its community outreach programming. He also serves on the FBI National CAAA IT Security and Technology Support Team. For the past two years, he has helped to organize and support audiovisual production for the Association’s national conferences.
“The volunteer contributions from these three individuals were instrumental to delivering a highly successful educational program to support our Chapter leaders and FBI partners,” said Valerie Minner, President of FBINCAAA. “Recipients of the Presidential Gold Service Medal personify the highest standards and principles of the FBI and FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association.”
Media Release Contact: Brenda Kanno, Director of Communications news@fbincaaa.org
Tracey Ballinger Receives Presidential Leadership Award
(St. Petersburg, Florida; July 14, 2025) – Tracey Ballinger received the FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association’s (FBINCAAA) Presidential Leadership Award in recognition of her visionary leadership in the development, growth, and success of the organization since its creation in 2005. Ms. Ballinger is a Management and Program Analyst with the Community Relations Unit of the Office of Public Affairs at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
“We are grateful for Tracey’s dedication and support of the Alumni Association and its community outreach partnership with the FBI,” said Ms. Minner, who presented Ms. Ballinger with the award at the FBINCAAA National Leadership Conference in Tampa, Florida. “She has served as the Bureau’s primary liaison to FBINCAAA since its founding and has been a driving force behind the success of our organization.”
Ms. Ballinger began her career with the FBI in 1982. In 1996, she held a position in the Office of Public Affairs and later continued her service in the Community Relations Unit, where she focused on outreach and engagement efforts. Her initial assignment in this role focused on supporting the development of a national organization to provide education, resources, and governance oversight for the increasing number of FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association chapters emerging across the country. Over the following year, Ms. Ballinger collaborated with fellow FBI personnel and founding chapter leaders to define the organization’s purpose, scope, and the formal relationship among the FBI, the FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBINCAAA), and its affiliated chapters. The National Association was officially incorporated in April 2005 and soon after entered into a partnership agreement with FBI Headquarters to advance its mission through strategic community outreach efforts.
“Tracey was there for every step of that journey,” said Ms. Minner. “From the beginning, she brought her expertise and passion for fostering growth and innovation to our mission. Her ability to inspire and motivate those around her created an environment where ideas flourished and teamwork thrived. Her commitment to our outreach partnership with the FBI is remarkable.”
Ms. Ballinger will be retiring in August 2025 following 43 years of service with the FBI.
FBI NATIONAL CITIZENS ACADEMY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESENTS NATIONAL LEADERSHIP ACHIEVEMENT AWARD TO EDIE PETERS LIGUORI
(St. Petersburg, Florida, July 14, 2025) – FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBINCAAA) presented the 2025 National Leadership Achievement Award to Edie Peters Liguori at its Celebrating Excellence Awards Ceremony held on June 25, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.
This prestigious recognition is granted to an FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association member who demonstrates exceptional qualities in leadership, mentorship, community engagement, and commitment to the mission, priorities, and goals of the FBI and FBINCAAA partnership.
“The award stands not only as a symbol of achievement but also as a testament to the recipient's commitment in going above and beyond expectations,” said Valerie Minner, President of FBI National CAAA.
Ms. Liguori is a 2014 graduate of the FBI Newark Citizens Academy program. She joined the FBI Newark Citizens Academy Alumni Association chapter following completion of the program and later served as President of the chapter. Known for her optimistic outlook and unwavering allegiance to the program’s outreach mission, Ms. Liguori consistently goes the extra mile to foster collaboration among her peers and provide support for innovative community outreach and education initiatives. She also volunteers with the FBI National CAAA Chapter Engagement Team as a Regional Chapter Coordinator (RCC).
“As a Regional Chapter Coordinator, Edie consistently strives to establish meaningful connections and support for Chapter leaders across her region,” stated Minner. “Her selfless dedication to the FBINCAAA program makes her a truly deserving recipient of this award.”
For more information about award recipients, view the Celebrating Excellence Awards Ceremony video.
FBI NATIONAL CITIZENS ACADEMY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION HONORS DARRELL DEBUSK
(St. Petersburg, Florida; July 14, 2025) – FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBI National CAAA) presented its Tracey L. Ballinger Partnership Award to FBI Nashville Public Affairs Officer Darrell DeBusk at the association’s annual Celebrating Excellence Awards Ceremony in Tampa, Florida.
“The Tracey L. Ballinger Partnership Award recognizes FBI employees who demonstrate exceptional partnership with FBI National CAAA affiliated chapters to achieve the outreach goals of our respective organizations,” said Valerie Minner, President of the FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association.
Created in 2019, the award is named for Tracey L. Ballinger, Senior Management and Program Analyst at FBI Headquarters, to honor her leadership, collaboration, and support for the FBI Citizens Academy program and FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association.
“Ms. Ballinger’s knowledge, professionalism, and dedication have been essential to the program’s success,” said Minner, “and have had a significant impact for all who are served by the FBI and the FBI National CAAA.”
Award recipient Darrell DeBusk has dedicated the past six years to the FBI, where he has demonstrated unwavering professionalism and commitment to the Bureau’s mission. “Mr. DeBusk has served with honor and distinction in his role,” said Tracey Ballinger. “He exemplifies the core values of the FBI’s community outreach program, consistently exceeding expectations in a humble and effective manner. His efforts to foster collaboration, encourage constructive dialogue, promote public education, and strengthen community relationships have been both impactful and commendable.”
“Mr. DeBusk personifies the highest standards of the FBI and FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association’s partnership,” said Minner. “We are grateful for his dedication and leadership.”
For more information about the awards, view the Celebrating Excellence Awards Ceremony video.
SHAYA FAMILY YOUTH ENGAGEMENT AWARD PRESENTED TO FBI CINCINNATI AND FBI PHOENIX CAAA
(St. Petersburg, Florida, July 14, 2025) – FBI Cincinnati Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBI Cincinnati CAAA) and FBI Phoenix Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBI Phoenix CAAA) were awarded the 2025 Shaya Family Youth Engagement Award. The awards were presented at the FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association’s (FBI National CAAA) Celebrating Excellence Awards Ceremony held in Tampa, Florida on June 25, 2025.
Named in honor of philanthropic leaders Mary Shaya and her son Dr. Stephen Shaya, the award is presented to Chapters that deliver impactful youth outreach programs to connect, engage, and support young people in academic, civic, and personal growth activities. Building bridges and relationships with the FBI and other law enforcement and civic organizations are key goals of the program.
FBI Cincinnati CAAA was recognized for its strong partnership with the FBI Cincinnati Field Office in developing and supporting outreach programs for students ranging from FBI Teen and Collegiate Academies for high school and college students to summer camp for middle school students. These programs serve as a vital platform for the FBI to extend its outreach efforts and foster positive relationships with young people. Students are provided insights into the mission and priorities of the FBI, engage in community outreach activities, develop knowledge essential for success, and explore potential career paths within the FBI and law enforcement.
FBI Phoenix CAAA was honored for its innovative partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to bring child safety education to schools, parents, and educators. Through NCMEC’s Community Education Partner Program, chapter volunteers receive essential training to support the delivery of high-quality, impactful programs to raise awareness and prevent child exploitation such as cyberbullying, abduction, and abuse.
“The partnership is a great example of how various entities can partner to make a difference in the lives of young citizens,” commented Minner. ”The program exponentially expands the reach of critical prevention education across the Phoenix community.”
For more information, view the 2025 Celebrating Excellence Awards Ceremony video.
(St. Petersburg, Florida; July 14, 2025) – FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBI National CAAA) recognized thirteen affiliate Chapters with Awards of Excellence at its annual Celebrating Excellence Awards Ceremony held in Tampa, Florida. The awards honor FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association Chapters for outstanding performance in support of the FBI’s mission and community outreach goals.
Awards of Excellence were presented in five categories:
“Awards of Excellence acknowledge the achievements of FBI National CAAA Chapters that produce exceptional results in outreach programming,” said Valerie Minner, president of FBI National CAAA. “These Chapters personify the highest standards and principles of the FBI and the FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association partnership.”
FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association Names Gold Star Chapters
(St. Petersburg, Florida; July 14, 2025) – FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBI National CAAA) recently recognized thirty-two affiliates as Gold Star Chapters for excellence in leadership, operations, and quality performance.
The Gold Star Chapter designation is granted to affiliate chapters that demonstrate a commitment to achieving the community outreach mission of their partnership with the FBI. This prestigious recognition acknowledges the dedication of chapter boards of directors and members in achieving excellence in outreach programming and high quality operating standards. Chapters receiving 2025 Gold Star designations include:
REGION ONE: Cincinnati, Detroit, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, and Pittsburgh
REGION TWO: Boston, Buffalo, New Haven, New York, Newark, Norfolk, and Philadelphia
REGION THREE: Dallas, El Paso, Houston, Kansas City, Little Rock, New Orleans, Oklahoma City, San Antonio, St. Louis
REGION FOUR: Atlanta, Charlotte, Knoxville, Nashville, and Tampa
REGION FIVE: Denver, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Diego, and Seattle
FBI National CAAA affiliate chapters are nonprofit organizations that work in partnership with their respective FBI Field Offices to deliver community outreach, education, and service programs. Chapter members are graduates of the FBI Citizens Academy, a comprehensive program that gives business, religious, civic and community leaders an inside look at the mission, priorities, and operations of the FBI.
“It’s an honor to recognize these Chapters and the great work they are doing to improve safety and security in their communities,” said Valerie Minner, President of FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association.
FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBINCAAA) is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization that works in partnership with the FBI to promote public safety and security through community engagement, education, and outreach initiatives. Founded in 2005, the National organization provides governance oversight, training, and resources for 56 affiliate chapters representing more than 53,000 business, civic, religious, and community leaders across the U.S., Guam, and Puerto Rico. www.fbincaaa.org
(St. Petersburg, Florida, November 11, 2024) – FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBINCAAA) is pleased to announce the election of Guillermo Torres to Vice President of Operations for the National Board. He previously served on the Board as Director of Chapter Engagement. In his new role, he will oversee the compliance, development, IT/support services, and National Leadership Conference functions of the board.
Mr. Torres is a 2019 graduate of the FBI Miami Citizens Academy program and member of the FBI Miami Citizens Academy Alumni Association where he held the positions of First Vice President and Treasurer on the chapter board. He subsequently served as a Regional Mentor and Co-Regional Chapter Coordination for Region 4 on the FBINCAAA Chapter Engagement Team.
“Guillermo brings a wealth of experience to his new role on the National Board,” said Valerie Minner, President of FBINCAAA. “Since he first joined the Board, he has demonstrated success in supporting our affiliate chapters as well as expanding and improving services available to them. He recently led an initiative to streamline and add new capabilities to our compliance program.”
Mr. Torres recently retired from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, an independent branch of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, where he served in various capacities culminating as a Supervisory National Bank Examiner. His responsibilities included evaluating risk control and management to ensure the safe and sound operation of national banks, fair access to financial services, customer treatment, and compliance with laws and regulations. He honorably served in the United States Air Force as a Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician, and is a proud graduate of the University of Oklahoma.
FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBINCAAA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all-‐volunteer organization that works in partnership with the FBI to promote public safety and security through community engagement, education, and outreach initiatives. Founded in 2005, the National organization provides training, resources, and governance oversight for 57 local FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association Chapters representing more than 53,000 business, civic, religious, and community leaders across the U.S., Guam, and Puerto Rico.
(St. Petersburg, Florida, November 11, 2024) – FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBINCAAA) is pleased to announce Pam Connell as Director of Chapter Resources and Education. She joined the National Board in January 2024 as Director of Chapter Services; the change in title reflects new responsibilities resulting from the merger of the Chapter Resources and Education and Training functions of the Board. In this expanded role, Ms. Connell will provide oversight for the design, development, and delivery of education, training, and other resources to support affiliated chapter leaders.
Ms. Connell is a graduate of the 2012 Rockford class of the FBI Chicago Citizens Academy program. Upon graduation, she joined the FBI Chicago Citizens Academy Alumni Association, where she later served as a Director, Vice President, and President for the Chapter Board. She subsequently served on the National Chapter Engagement team as an Regional Chapter Coordinator and in Leadership Development.
“We are grateful for Pam’s service to our National Board, both as a Board member and previous National Team member,” said Valerie Minner, FBINCAAA President. “Under her guidance, we launched the new Gold Star Chapter designation which recognizes excellence in Chapter operations, streamlined the applications processes for awards and annual report submissions, and are now diversifying education and training offerings.”
Most of Ms. Connell’s career has been in operations management and most recently in talent management. She earned a doctorate degree in leadership from James Madison University and holds a master’s in management.
Contact us at: webmaster@fbincaaa.orgFBINCAAA is a nonprofit organization separate and apart from the FBI
