Media Release Contact: Brenda Kanno, Director of Communications news@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.
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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 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.
(St. Petersburg, Florida, November 11, 2024) – FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBINCAAA) is pleased to announce that Traci Jadlos of North Royalton, Ohio has been elected to the National Board as Director of Development. In this role, she will be responsible for oversight, planning, and implementation of a comprehensive program to support resource development through fundraising, sponsorships, and grants. Ms. Jadlos served on the National Development Team prior to joining the Board of Directors.
“We look forward to working with Traci in her new role,” said Valerie Minner, FBINCAAA President. “The breadth and depth of her professional experience, as well as her working knowledge of FBINCAAA and its affiliate chapters, bring great value to our Board.”
For the past six years, Ms. Jadlos has served as Executive Director for After School All Stars in Cleveland, Ohio. Prior to that, she worked with three United Way organizations in Ohio, serving as Vice President of Community Impact, 2-1-1, and Engagement as well as Director of Resource Development. Before her career at United Way, she was an Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist II and served under two Mayors as Youth Commission Director for the City of Toledo, Ohio.
Ms. Jadlos has been recognized by both the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio as one of 100 Women of Influence and by the City Council of Toledo for her positive impact in the community. She graduated from the United Way Worldwide Advance Leadership Program for CEOs in 2016.
(St. Petersburg, Florida, November 11, 2024) – FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBINCAAA) is pleased to announce that Jessica Hendon of Rockford, Illinois has been elected to the National Board as Director of Chapter Engagement. In this role, she will oversee the Regional Chapter Coordinators and Chapter Mentors who assist affiliate chapter leaders with resources, best practices, and leadership development.
After graduating from the 2012 Rockford class of the FBI Chicago Citizens Academy program, Ms. Hendon joined FBI Chicago Citizens Academy Alumni Association where she later served on its Board of Directors. After spending some time volunteering, she was elected to the Chapter Board as a Director. Prior to joining the National Board, she was of the National Chapter Engagement Team where she served as Regional Chapter Coordinator (RCC) for Region 1.
“We are excited to welcome Jessica to the National Board,” said Valerie Minner, FBINCAAA President, “and look forward to her leadership in supporting our affiliate chapter boards.”
Ms. Hendon has worked in the banking industry for over 20 years, primarily in areas of operational risk including fraud, physical security, information security, business continuity, and vendor management. She holds an MBA from Northern Illinois University as well as industry specific certifications. In addition to her work with FBINCAAA, she volunteers for a local organization working to align resources to better support children.
(St. Petersburg, Florida, November 11, 2024) – FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBINCAAA) is pleased to announce that Darcy Friesen of Pello, Iowa was elected to the National Board as Director of Compliance. Since completing the FBI Omaha Citizens Academy program in 2012, she has been an active member of several FBINCAAA affiliate chapters and has served as Secretary and Vice President on a Chapter board. Prior to joining the National Board, she was both a Chapter Relations Coordinator and Data and Analytics Coordinator for the National Chapter Engagement and Chapter Resources Teams.
“We are honored to welcome Darcy to our National Board,” said Valerie Minner, FBINCAAA President. “Her professional experience and in-depth knowledge of compliance practices will support our affiliate chapters in maintaining the highest standards and requirements of our partnership agreements and government oversight agencies.”
Ms. Friesen holds a Master of Science Degree in Economic Crime Management and several advanced certifications, including Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist, Certified Fraud Examiner, and Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager. She has specialized in banking compliance for over 20 years, and is currently the Chief Compliance Officer/BSA & OFAC Officer for a financial institution in Iowa.
(St. Petersburg, Florida, November 6, 2024) – FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBINCAAA) is pleased to announce that Valerie Minner has been elected President of the FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association Board of Directors. She previously served as National Treasurer.
Valerie spent forty years in the hospitality industry working for the Raphael Hotel Group, which owned several boutique hotels and held the franchise agreements for a local Hilton property and the Kansas City Marriott Downtown, a large convention property. After sixteen years in Chicago as General Manager for two of the Group's properties, she returned to Kansas City as the Director of Room Operations for twenty-four years at the Marriott property before retiring in 2020. Valerie’s impressive track record of success in the hospitality industry, as well as her accomplishments while serving on both FBI National and Chapter CAAA Boards, bring valuable leadership experience to the office.
Valerie succeeds former FBINCAAA President Richard Schwalberg, who recently resigned to devote more time to family and personal pursuits. Richard joined the National Board as Director of Development in 2021 and also served as Vice President for Operations prior to his role as President. Prior to joining the Board, he was the FBINCAAA Regional Chapter Coordinator (RCC) for Region 1 and a member of the National Development Team. During his tenure Richard significantly expanded National and NLC sponsorships and, as President, oversaw adoption of the FBINCAAA Program Requirements and new Chapter bylaws. He hosted National’s first Chapter Presidents Town Hall and inaugural “link and learn” call with FBI COSs and CRU team.
Congratulations to Valerie on her presidency and our thanks and appreciation to Richard for his years of dedicated service.
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 58 affiliate chapters representing more than 53,000 business, civic, religious, and community leaders across the U.S., Guam, and Puerto Rico. www.fbincaaa.org
PRESIDENTIAL GOLD SERVICE MEDAL AWARDED TO AL OGATA
(St. Petersburg, FL, October 4, 2024) – FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBI National CAAA) awarded the Presidential Gold Service Medal to Albert “Al” Ogata for outstanding accomplishments in supporting the mission and goals of FBI National CAAA.
Mr. Ogata completed the FBI Honolulu Citizens Academy Program in 2012 and subsequently joined the FBI Honolulu Citizens Academy Alumni Association. He was elected to the Chapter’s Board of Directors in 2016 and later served as Chapter President. He has been a volunteer member of FBI National CAAA’s Information Technology Support Team since 2019, providing technical support and expertise for the national website, member database, annual National Leadership Conference, and other national technology platforms.
“Mr. Ogata has provided extraordinary service in supporting growth, development, and security of our National IT infrastructure,” said Richard Schwalberg, President of FBINCAAA. “We are grateful for his many contributions in ensuring member access to online resources.”
FBI NATIONAL CITIZENS ACADEMY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESENTS NATIONAL LEADERSHIP ACHIEVEMENT AWARD TO SEAN SMITH
(St. Petersburg, Florida, July 16, 2024) – FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBI National CAAA) presented the 2024 National Leadership Achievement Award to Sean “Smitty” Smith at its Celebrating Excellence Awards Ceremony held in Detroit, Michigan on June 26, 2024.
This prestigious recognition is granted to an association member who exemplifies exceptional leadership and commitment to the mission, priorities, and goals of the FBI and FBINCAAA partnership, and that demonstrate exceptional qualities in leadership, mentorship, partnership, and community engagement.
“The award stands not only as a symbol of achievement but also as a testament to the recipient's unwavering commitment in going above and beyond expectations,” said Richard Schwalberg, President of FBI National CAAA. “Smitty exemplifies the true essence of the National Leadership Achievement Award with his exceptional leadership and dedication to FBI National CAAA.”
Known for his optimistic outlook and unyielding determination, Mr. Smith consistently goes the extra mile to provide unwavering support and foster collaboration among his peers. He is a 2012 graduate of the FBI Seattle Citizens Academy program and also served as President of the FBI Seattle Citizens Academy Alumni Association. Since 2018, he has worked with the FBI National CAAA Chapter Engagement Team as the Regional Chapter Coordinator (RCC) for Region 5.
“As Regional Chapter Coordinator, Smitty consistently demonstrates his commitment to the FBI and FBINCAAA partnership by establishing meaningful connections and support for Chapter leaders across Region,” stated Schwalberg. “His selfless dedication makes him a truly deserving recipient of this award.”
For more information about the award recipients, view the 2024 Celebrating Excellence Awards Ceremony video here.
FBI National CAAA is a nonprofit organization separate and apart from the FBI
(Detroit, Michigan, July 16, 2024) – FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBI National CAAA) presented its Tracey L. Ballinger Partnership Award to FBI Miami Community Outreach Specialist Jeff Green at the association’s annual Celebrating Excellence Awards Ceremony in Detroit, Michigan, June 26, 2024.
“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 Richard Schwalberg, 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 Schwalberg, “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 Jeff Green has served with the FBI Miami Field Office for 36 years, with the past 24 years as the division’s Community Outreach Specialist. “Mr. Green has served honorably and with distinction in his role,” said Tracey Ballinger. “He embodies the collaborative spirit of the FBI’s outreach program, and goes above and beyond in an unassuming manner to bring people together, promote dialogue, educate, and build bridges.”
“Mr. Green personifies the highest standards of the FBI and FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association’s partnership,” said Schwalberg. “We are grateful for his dedication and leadership.”
Media ReleaseContact: Brenda Kanno, Director of Communications news@fbincaaa.org
(St. Petersburg, Florida; July 16, 2024) – FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBI National CAAA) recently recognized thirty-one affiliates as Gold Star Chapters for excellence in leadership, operations, and quality performance.
Newly released in 2024, the Gold Star Chapter designation is granted to FBI National CAAA affiliate chapters that demonstrate a commitment to achieving the mission and goals of their community outreach partnership with the FBI. This prestigious recognition acknowledges the dedication of chapter boards of directors and members in achieving high-quality operating standards. . . read more
Contact us at: webmaster@fbincaaa.orgFBINCAAA is a nonprofit organization separate and apart from the FBI
