News and Viewpoints

  • September 25, 2023 10:12 AM | Anonymous

    Media Release
    Contact: Brenda Kanno, Director of Communications
    bkanno@fbincaaa.org


    RICHARD SCHWALBERG NAMED PRESIDENT-ELECT

    (St. Petersburg, Florida, September 23, 2023) – FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBINCAAA) is pleased to announce that Richard Schwalberg was named President­‐Elect of the Board of Directors. He will assume the role of President on January 1, 2024.

    Upon graduating from the FBI Cleveland Citizens Academy program in 2010, Richard joined the FBI Cleveland Citizens Academy Alumni Association and later served as its President. He began his service at the National Association as a Regional Chapter Coordinator (RCC) and also served on the National Fundraising Team. Richard joined the FBI National CAAA Board of Directors in 2021 as Director of Development and was named Vice President for Operations in 2022, overseeing the FBINCAAA National Leadership Conference, Development, Technology, and Compliance functions.

    Having served as a senior living healthcare administrator since 1980, Richard recently retired as the Chief Operating Officer of Menorah Park in Cleveland, Ohio, a premier provider of health and wellness services for seniors. Over the course of his career he received numerous local and national recognitions, including Professional of the Year, Advocacy of the Year, and Humanitarian awards.

    His national advocacy efforts in senior living resulted in his leading thirteen sessions in the White House by bringing over 2,000 lay leaders and healthcare executives to present innovations in senior care to the Administration. Richard holds an MHA in Health Care Administration from George Washington University and a BBA from Baruch College/City University of New York.

      * * *

    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.

     

    FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association is a nonprofit organization separate and apart from the FBI


  • June 30, 2023 4:55 PM | Anonymous

    MEDIA RELEASE
    Contact: Kate Stoan, Vice President
    kstoan@fbincaaa.org

    MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL AWARDED TO ED NELSON

    (Boston, Massachusetts, June 30, 2023) - FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBI National CAAA) presented Ed Nelson with a Meritorious Service Medal, the highest honor awarded by the President of the Alumni Association. This medal is given to an individual who has distinguished themselves by outstanding service and accomplishments over a sustained period of time.

    Award recipient, Ed Nelson of Boston, Massachusetts, is a Senior Network Systems Engineer with the Information Services and Technology Division of Boston University. A 2003 graduate of FBI Boston’s Citizens Academy program, he has held various roles in the Boston Chapter of the Association, including that of president. Ed became involved with the national organization in 2014 as one of five Regional Chapter Coordinators and was elected to the National Board in 2016, serving six years as Director for Chapter Information Services. In 2016, he was also awarded the prestigious FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award. 

    “Individuals receiving the Meritorious Service Medal personify the highest standards and principles of the FBI and the FBI National CAAA,” said Karen Corrigan, president of the FBI National CAAA. “Ed’s service to the FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association during his tenure has been extraordinary. He was instrumental in building the technology and support services infrastructure required to serve the Association’s 57 affiliate chapters in their mission to support the FBI’s community outreach priorities.” The award was presented at the Association’s 16th Annual National Leadership Conference in Boston, Massachusetts.

    *  *  *

    The 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.

    FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association is a nonprofit organization separate and apart from the FBI

  • June 30, 2023 8:19 AM | Anonymous

    MEDIA RELEASE
    Contact: Karen Corrigan, President
    kcorrigan@fbincaaa.org

    PRESIDENTIAL GOLD SERVICE MEDALS AWARDED AT NATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

    (Boston, Massachusetts, June 30, 2023) – FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBI National CAAA) presented Presidential Gold Service Medals to four FBI Citizens Academy Program alumni for outstanding accomplishments. The medal is awarded to individuals who distinguish themselves as leaders for their contributions in supporting and bringing significant projects to fruition.

    This year, Presidential Gold Service Medals and Certificates were presented to Skip Brandt, Kevin Fletcher, Richard Schwalberg, and Kate Stoan for their support and contributions to successfully produce the Association’s 2023 Annual National Leadership Conference.

    Skip Brandt, director of security for the Boston Park Plaza Hotel, is an alumnus of the FBI Boston Citizens Academy Program and member of the Boston Chapter. He served as a liaison with the FBI National CAAA, FBI Boston CAAA Chapter, FBI Headquarters, hotel venue, sponsors, and entertainers to ensure that full safety and security arrangements were met.

    Kevin Fletcher, who serves on the FBI National CAAA Communications Team, has been creating a photographic history of the National Leadership Conference for the past 11 years and also serves as the Association’s National Historian. He is a member of the FBI Atlanta Citizens Academy Alumni Association.

    Richard Schwalberg, FBI National CAAA Vice President for Operations, made significant contributions in time and expertise overseeing the details of planning, sponsorship development, and production of the 2023 National Leadership Conference. Rich is an alumnus of the FBI Cleveland Citizens Academy Program.

    Kate Stoan, an alumna of the FBI Cincinnati Citizens Academy Program and serves as Vice President for Chapter Services on the FBI National CAAA Board of Directors. She established a comprehensive integrated communications strategy to include the conference registration platform, online promotions, daily digital announcements, and branding oversight for the 2023 program.

    “Individuals receiving the Presidential Gold Service Medal personify the highest standards and principles of the FBI and the FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association,” said Karen Corrigan, president of the FBI National CAAA. “The extraordinary volunteer contributions from Mr. Brandt, Mr. Fletcher, Mr. Schwalberg, and Ms. Stoan were instrumental to producing a highly successful educational program to support our chapter leaders and FBI partners.”

    The medals were presented at the Association’s 16th Annual National Leadership Conference in Boston, Massachusetts.

    * * *

    The 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.

    FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association is a nonprofit organization separate and apart from the FBI




  • June 28, 2023 9:00 PM | Anonymous

    MEDIA RELEASE 
    Contact: Kate Stoan, Vice President
    kstoan@fbincaaa.org

    FBI NATIONAL CITIZENS ACADEMY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION HONORS FBI COMMUNITY OUTREACH SPECIALISTS

    (Boston, Massachusetts, June 28, 2023) - FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni association (FBI National CAAA) presented its Tracey L. Ballinger Partnership Award to FBI Community Outreach Specialist Sue Durkin and FBI Public Affairs Specialist Bridget Patton at the Association's annual Celebrating Excellence Awards Ceremony held at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel on June 28, 2023.

    "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 Karen Corrigan, 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 Corrigan, "and have had a significant impact for all who are served by the FBI and the FBI National CAAA. We are pleased that she is with us tonight to present the awards."

    Award recipient Sue Durkin has served with the FBI Boston Field Office for 39 years, with the past 25 years as the division's Community Outreach Specialist. "Ms. Durkin has served honorable and with distinction in her role," said Tracey Ballinger. "She embodies the collaborative spirit of the FBI's outreach program where she goes above and beyond in an unassuming manner to bring people together, promote dialogue, educate, and build bridges."

    Bridget Patton, who serves with the FBI Kansas City Division, has been with the FBI for 32 years. "This award is given in recognition for her outstanding contributions to the FBI and unwavering commitment to the FBI Kansas City Citizens Academy Alumni Association.," commented Tracey Ballinger. "Ms. Patton is a strong advocate for the Kansas City chapter. She supports its mission, vision, and goals through enrichment programs and opportunities for community outreach."

    "Ms. Durkin and Ms. Patton personify the highest standards of the FBI and FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association's partnership," said Corrigan. "We are grateful for their dedication and leadership."

    * * *

    The 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.

    FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association is a nonprofit organization separate and apart from the FBI.

  • June 28, 2023 8:48 PM | Anonymous

    MEDIA RELEASE 
    Contact: Kate Stoan, Vice President
    kstoan@fbincaaa.org

    HUMANITARIAN SERVICE MEDAL AWARDED TO FBI NEW YORK CITIZENS ACADEMY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

    (Boston, Massachusetts, June 28, 2023) - FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBI National CAAA) presented its Humanitarian Service Medal to the FBI New York Citizens Academy Alumni Association. The medal is awarded to Chapters who demonstrate innovative leadership and strong community support during or after a natural or manmade disaster. 

    "This medal recognizes unselfish member actions during or immediately following a tragedy in providing support to law enforcement and victims," said Karen Corrigan, president of the FBI National CAAA. "Chapters receiving the Humanitarian Service Medal personify the highest standards and principles of the FBI and the FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association."

    Among the FBI New York CAAA's many initiatives, they were recognized for: their response to support victims of a horrific Bronx fire in 2022 that killed 17 people, including nine children, and injured dozens more; providing meals to NYPD staff following the loss of two police officers; bringing food donations to FDNY EMS Station 49 after a colleague was attacked and killed; and participating with the FBI New York Field Office in a 9/11 Memorial Service to honor FBI employees who lost their lives in the attack.

    Additionally, Chapter volunteers frequently donate time and resources to bring food, clothing, bedding, cribs, toys, and other needed supplies to community organizations serving those in need. This past year, in concert with the FBI New York Field Office, they also contributed medical supplies to the people of Ukraine. 

    The medal was presented at the Association's 16th Annual National Leadership Conference in Boston, Massachusetts.

    * * *

    The 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.

    FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association is a nonprofit organization separate and apart from the FBI

  • June 28, 2023 8:13 PM | Anonymous

    MEDIA RELEASE 
    Contact: Kate Stoan, Vice President
    kstoan@fbincaaa.org

    FBI NATIONAL CITIZENS ACADEMY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION HONORS CHAPTERS AT ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY

    (Boston, Massachusetts, June 28, 2023) - FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBI National CAAA) recognized 23 Chapters at its annual Celebrating Excellence Awards Ceremony held at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel on June 28, 2023. The awards program honors FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association Chapters and individuals for outstanding performance over the prior year in support of the FBI's mission and community outreach goals.

    Awards of Excellence are presented in five categories:

    Excellence in Chapter Operations. This award recognizes outstanding Chapter leadership in governance, operations, and performance. Recipients were:

    FBI Albuquerque CAAA
    FBI Newark CAAA
    FBI Baltimore CAAA
    FBI Norfolk CAAA
    FBI Birmingham CAAA
    FBI Omaha CAAA
    FBI Boston CAAA
    FBI Phoenix CAAA
    FBI Cincinnati CAAA
    FBI Pittsburgh CAAA
    FBI Denver CAAA
    FBI Sacramento CAAA
    FBI Kansas City CAAA
    FBI San Antonio CAAA
    FBI Little Rock CAAA
    FBI San Diego CAAA
    FBI Miami CAAA
    FBI San Francisco CAAA
    FBI Minneapolis CAAA
    FBI Springfield CAAA
    FBI New Haven CAAA
    FBI Tampa CAAA
    FBI New York CAAA

    Excellence in FBI Advocacy. This recognition honors Chapters that partner with FBI Field Offices to develop and host outstanding outreach programs to strengthen community relationships with the FBI. Recipients were:

    FBI Boston CAAA
    FBI Kansas City CAAA
    FBI Newark CAAA

    Excellence in Community Outreach. The award recognizes exemplary community education and outreach programs developed and led by Chapters in alignment with FBI needs and priorities. Recipients were:

    FBI Baltimore CAAA
    FBI New Haven CAAA
    FBI Little Rock CAAA
    FBI Pittsburgh CAAA

    Excellence in Alumni Driven Outreach. This award is presented to Chapters that engage alumni in meaningful ways to contribute volunteer time, talent, and expertise to support the FBI's goals. Recipients were:

    FBI Minneapolis CAAA
    FBI Tampa CAAA

    Excellence in Innovation. The Excellence in Innovation Award is presented to Chapters who demonstrate innovative and creative approaches to community outreach in partnership with the FBI. Recipients were:

    FBI Denver CAAA
    FBI Miami CAAA

    "Awards of Excellence acknowledge the achievements of the FBI National CAAA Chapters that produce exceptional results in operations and community outreach programming," said Karen Corrigan, president of the FBI National CAAA. "These Chapters personify the highest standards and principles of the FBI and the FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association."

    * * *

    The FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBINCAAA) s 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.

    FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association is a nonprofit organization separate and apart from the FBI

Contact us at: webmaster@fbincaaa.org
FBINCAAA is a nonprofit organization separate and apart from the FBI