Media Release
Contact: Brenda Kanno
news@fbincaaa.org

FBI TAMPA CITIZENS ACADEMY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION RECEIVES JERRY FOGEL ADVOCACY AWARD

(St. Petersburg, Florida; March 20, 2026) – FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBINCAAA) is delighted to announce that FBI Tampa Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBI Tampa CAAA) received the coveted Jerry Fogel Advocacy Award for 2026.

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 Affiliate Chapter that demonstrates continuous leadership and excellence in supporting the mission and priorities of the FBI though community outreach, alumni engagement, and chapter operations.

In partnership with the FBI Tampa Field Office, the chapter actively participated in community events such as:

• Gasparilla Children’s Parade, with over 100 alumni and FBI personnel engaging families and children to promote positive perceptions of law enforcement. ​
• Supported elder fraud prevention efforts by educating seniors and collaborating with local agencies; this was done despite federal operational constraints, demonstrating resilience and leadership. ​
• Facilitated the Leadership Tampa Bay Mini Citizens Academy Day, educating civic leaders about FBI priorities, strengthening transparency, and fostering long-term relationships. ​
• Played a key role in FBI Tampa Family Day, organizing interactive demonstrations and activities for over 400 attendees, enhancing morale and strengthening community connections. ​

These initiatives exemplify strategic, mission-aligned collaborations that promote education, prevention, and trust-building and foster ongoing community relationships and elevate the FBI’s visibility and approachability.​

“Tampa has transformed the FBINCAAA mission into action through its community‑driven programming and  alumni engagement, while strengthening its partnership with the FBI Tampa Field Office” said Kelly Lopez, Acting President, FBINCAAA. “Their accomplishments are deserving of this sought-after award.”

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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.