Media Release
Contact: Brenda Kanno, Director of Communications
news@fbincaaa.org
Tracey Ballinger Receives Presidential Leadership Award
(St. Petersburg, Florida; July 14, 2025) – Tracey Ballinger received the FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association’s (FBINCAAA) Presidential Leadership Award in recognition of her visionary leadership in the development, growth, and success of the organization since its creation in 2005. Ms. Ballinger is a Management and Program Analyst with the Community Relations Unit of the Office of Public Affairs at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
“We are grateful for Tracey’s dedication and support of the Alumni Association and its community outreach partnership with the FBI,” said Ms. Minner, who presented Ms. Ballinger with the award at the FBINCAAA National Leadership Conference in Tampa, Florida. “She has served as the Bureau’s primary liaison to FBINCAAA since its founding and has been a driving force behind the success of our organization.”
Ms. Ballinger began her career with the FBI in 1982. In 1996, she held a position in the Office of Public Affairs and later continued her service in the Community Relations Unit, where she focused on outreach and engagement efforts. Her initial assignment in this role focused on supporting the development of a national organization to provide education, resources, and governance oversight for the increasing number of FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association chapters emerging across the country. Over the following year, Ms. Ballinger collaborated with fellow FBI personnel and founding chapter leaders to define the organization’s purpose, scope, and the formal relationship among the FBI, the FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBINCAAA), and its affiliated chapters. The National Association was officially incorporated in April 2005 and soon after entered into a partnership agreement with FBI Headquarters to advance its mission through strategic community outreach efforts.
“Tracey was there for every step of that journey,” said Ms. Minner. “From the beginning, she brought her expertise and passion for fostering growth and innovation to our mission. Her ability to inspire and motivate those around her created an environment where ideas flourished and teamwork thrived. Her commitment to our outreach partnership with the FBI is remarkable.”
Ms. Ballinger will be retiring in August 2025 following 43 years of service with the FBI.
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FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association is a 501(c)(3) 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 56 FBI Citizens
