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.
