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