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.”
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For more information about the award recipients, view the 2024 Celebrating Excellence Awards Ceremony video here.
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
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
FBI NEWARK CITIZENS ACADEMY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
RECEIVES JERRY FOGEL ADVOCACY AWARD
(Detroit, Michigan, July 16, 2024) – FBI Newark Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBI Newark CAAA) received the coveted Jerry Fogel Advocacy Award at the FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association’s (FBI National CAAA) Celebrating Excellence Awards Ceremony held in Detroit, Michigan on June 26, 2024.
The award, which is named in honor of the distinguished founder and inaugural President of FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association, acknowledges an FBI National CAAA Chapter that demonstrates continuous leadership and excellence in supporting the mission and priorities of the FBI though community outreach, alumni engagement, and chapter operations.
“Over the past four years, the Newark Chapter has produced and participated in numerous outreach initiatives designed to raise awareness and promote prevention of crimes that impact their community,” said Richard Schwalberg, President of FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association. “Even through the pandemic, the Chapter found creative ways to engage with citizens and FBI partners on community safety priorities.”
In partnership with the FBI Newark Field Office, the Chapter held multiple events that brought together diverse communities and law enforcement to address hate crime awareness and prevention. Each year they’ve conducted education programs for older adults and caregivers to raise awareness and promote prevention of elder fraud. Outreach programming to protect children included initiatives to shed light on the dangers of opioids and human trafficking. They also hosted public presentations for business owners, schools, and citizens on cybersecurity.
“FBI Newark CAAA exemplifies the highest standards and principles of the FBI and FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association partnership,” stated Schwalberg. “We are proud to present them the Jerry Fogel Advocacy Award.”
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.
Media ReleaseContact: Brenda Kanno, Director of Communicationsnews@fbincaaa.org
(St. Petersburg, Florida; July 16, 2024) – FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBI National CAAA) recognized eleven Chapters with Awards of Excellence at its annual Celebrating Excellence Awards Ceremony held in Detroit, Michigan on June 26, 2024.
The awards program honors FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association Chapters and individuals for outstanding performance in support of the FBI’s mission and community outreach goals. Awards of Excellence are presented in five categories:
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. The 2024 honorees were FBI Denver Citizens Academy Alumni Association (CAAA), FBI Detroit CAAA, FBI Little Rock CAAA, FBI New York CAAA, and FBI Phoenix CAAA.
Excellence in Alumni Engagement. This award is presented to Chapters that demonstrate remarkable effectiveness in engaging and mobilizing alumni in purposeful initiatives to support the FBI’s goals. This year’s recipients were FBI Pittsburgh CAAA and FBI Tampa CAAA.
Excellence in Community Partnerships. The award honors Chapters that exemplify outstanding commitment and innovation in forging collaborations with local, state, and national organizations in support of their community outreach goals. FBI Knoxville CAAA and FBI San Diego CAAA were the 2024 recipients.
Excellence in Innovation. The Excellence in Innovation Award is bestowed upon Chapters that distinguish themselves through visionary and inventive strategies in community outreach, achieved through collaboration with the FBI. The 2024 recipient was FBI Cleveland CAAA.
Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This award honors Chapters that exemplify outstanding dedication to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion through collaborative outreach initiatives with the FBI Field Office. The 2024 recipient was FBI San Francisco CAAA.
“Awards of Excellence acknowledge the achievements of FBI National CAAA Chapters that produce exceptional results in outreach programming,” said Richard Schwalberg, 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.”
Media ReleaseContact: Karen Corrigannews@fbincaaa.org
Presidential Gold Service Medals Awarded at National Leadership Conference
(Detroit, Michigan, July 7, 2024) – FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBINCAAA) awarded Presidential Gold Service Medals to nine FBI Citizens Academy alumni and two FBI employees 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 17th Annual National Leadership Conference in Detroit, Michigan. . . . read more
Awni Fakhoury Receives Presidential Leadership Award
(Detroit, Michigan, July 11, 2024) – FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBINCAAA) President Richard Schwalberg, with FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate, presented the association’s Presidential Leadership Award to Awni Fakhoury of Troy, Michigan for his dedication and support of the alumni association and its community service partnership with the FBI.
Mr. Schwalberg stated, "We are grateful for Awni’s commitment to our service mission, and are honored to present him with this much-deserved recognition."
Awni Fakhoury, a member of the FBINCAAA Detroit Chapter, graduated from the FBI Detroit Citizens Academy program. He served for many years on the FBI Detroit Citizens Academy Alumni Association board of directors. Today, he serves as a member of the association’s National Development Team and, most recently, was co-host for the 2024 FBINCAAA National Leadership Conference.
A retired executive with Chrysler Corporation, Mr. Fakhoury advocates for programs that improve communities and better the lives of its citizens. In addition to his support of FBINCAAA, he has completed citizen academies with the Troy Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Homeland Security. He is past president of the Jordanian American Federation, Chairman of the largest Middle Eastern church in Michigan, and works with the Interfaith Council in Detroit. Through his development and fundraising efforts, Mr. Fakhoury has helped establish and strengthen numerous nonprofit organizations.
“Awni’s leadership is evident in the many organizations, initiatives, and connections he has created to improve the lives of people in his community and beyond,” said Schwalberg. “His commitment to our outreach partnership with the FBI is remarkable.”
(Detroit, Michigan, July 6, 2024) – FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBI National CAAA) presented Oras Faris Zuhair with a Meritorious Service Medal, the highest medal of honor awarded by the President of the Alumni Association.
This medal is given to individuals who have distinguished themselves through outstanding service and accomplishments over a sustained period of time.
An entrepreneur who founded several successful businesses in Macomb County, Michigan, Mr. Zuhair employs more than 400 families through Dream Market, Dream Dollar, Dream Wholesale Import & Export Inc., and Larsa Palace. As a community leader and active volunteer, he supports various community service organizations, the Chaldean churches, the FBI, and local law enforcement.
Oras Zuhair is a 2015 graduate of the FBI Detroit Citizens Academy Program and a member of FBI Detroit Citizens Academy Alumni Association. In 2023, he was the recipient of the FBI National CAAA Presidential Leadership Award.
“Individuals receiving the Meritorious Service Medal personify the highest standards and principles of the FBI and the FBI National CAAA,” said Richard Schwalberg, president of FBI National CAAA. “I am pleased to bestow this honor on Mr. Zuhair for his ongoing efforts to give back to his community through employment opportunities, charitable giving, and community service, as well as his leadership in support of the FBI, FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association, and Detroit Chapter of FBI National CAAA.”
The award was presented at the Association’s 17th Annual National Leadership Conference in Detroit, Michigan.
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
(Detroit, Michigan, July 3, 2024) – FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBINCAAA) presented its Presidential Leadership Award to the Shaya Family for their leadership and support of youth outreach programs to engage young people in opportunities that promote civic involvement. Stephen Shaya, M.D. and Mary Shaya received the award on behalf of their family at the 2024 FBINCAAA National Leadership Conference in Detroit, Michigan. Stephen Shaya, M.D. is Managing Director of Akkad Holdings and Executive Servant Leader at J & B Medical, and Mary Shaya is President of J & B Medical.
Richard Schwalberg, President of the FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association, stated, "We are grateful for the Shaya family’s leadership, vision, and passion for our service mission, and honored to present them with this much-deserved recognition."
Awni Fakhoury, a member of the FBINCAAA Detroit Chapter who graduated with Dr. Shaya in the 2007 FBI Citizens Academy Program said, “The Shaya Family is receiving the Presidential Leadership Award for their outstanding dedication and support of the community outreach mission of the FBINCAAA.
FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization that works in partnership with the FBI to promote public safety and security through community outreach, education, and service initiatives. The association provides training, resources, and governance oversight for 58 FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association Chapters across the U.S., Guam, and Puerto Rico. Members are graduates of the FBI Citizens Academy, an eight-week program providing business, religious, civic, and community leaders an inside look at the FBI and opportunity to partner as volunteers supporting outreach and education.
Commenting on the award, Mary Shaya said, "We are grateful for this special recognition from the FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association. We’ve always believed in the importance of family and involvement in the communities in which we all live. Now more than ever, community outreach programs are necessary to better coordinate public safety efforts."
Stephen Shaya, M.D., quoted Coretta Scott King, “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”
J&B Medical (www.JandBMedical.com) is a recognized market leader in health care focused on enhancing the quality of life, improving clinical outcomes and reducing health care costs for consumers and businesses. Services include insurance-covered and emergency-medical supplies, retail at home, veterinary products, and medical technology solutions. J&B Medical is a nationally certified Women's Business Enterprise.
Akkad Holdings is the family office of Stephen Shaya, M.D., whose family owns J & B Medical. J & B is a world-class family of businesses that span across all aspects of medical-related care, including insurance-covered products, national managed care contracts, medical-surgical products, retail home-care products, and technology solutions. It serves as one of the largest third-party billers of consumable medical products in the United States. J & B owns HNC Virtual Care Solutions, which manages a telehealth company, serving customers worldwide.
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 58 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
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.
Contact us at: webmaster@fbincaaa.orgFBINCAAA is a nonprofit organization separate and apart from the FBI
