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
FBI National CAAA is a nonprofit organization separate and apart from the FBI
Media ReleaseContact: Brenda Kanno, Director of Communicationsnews@fbincaaa.org
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.
MEDIA RELEASE Contact: Kate Stoan, Vice President kstoan@fbincaaa.org
MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL AWARDED TO ED NELSON
(Boston, Massachusetts, June 30, 2023) - FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBI National CAAA) presented Ed Nelson with a Meritorious Service Medal, the highest honor awarded by the President of the Alumni Association. This medal is given to an individual who has distinguished themselves by outstanding service and accomplishments over a sustained period of time.
Award recipient, Ed Nelson of Boston, Massachusetts, is a Senior Network Systems Engineer with the Information Services and Technology Division of Boston University. A 2003 graduate of FBI Boston’s Citizens Academy program, he has held various roles in the Boston Chapter of the Association, including that of president. Ed became involved with the national organization in 2014 as one of five Regional Chapter Coordinators and was elected to the National Board in 2016, serving six years as Director for Chapter Information Services. In 2016, he was also awarded the prestigious FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award.
“Individuals receiving the Meritorious Service Medal personify the highest standards and principles of the FBI and the FBI National CAAA,” said Karen Corrigan, president of the FBI National CAAA. “Ed’s service to the FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association during his tenure has been extraordinary. He was instrumental in building the technology and support services infrastructure required to serve the Association’s 57 affiliate chapters in their mission to support the FBI’s community outreach priorities.” The award was presented at the Association’s 16th Annual National Leadership Conference in Boston, Massachusetts.
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.
MEDIA RELEASE Contact: Karen Corrigan, President kcorrigan@fbincaaa.org
PRESIDENTIAL GOLD SERVICE MEDALS AWARDED AT NATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
(Boston, Massachusetts, June 30, 2023) – FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBI National CAAA) presented Presidential Gold Service Medals to four FBI Citizens Academy Program alumni for outstanding accomplishments. The medal is awarded to individuals who distinguish themselves as leaders for their contributions in supporting and bringing significant projects to fruition.
This year, Presidential Gold Service Medals and Certificates were presented to Skip Brandt, Kevin Fletcher, Richard Schwalberg, and Kate Stoan for their support and contributions to successfully produce the Association’s 2023 Annual National Leadership Conference.
Skip Brandt, director of security for the Boston Park Plaza Hotel, is an alumnus of the FBI Boston Citizens Academy Program and member of the Boston Chapter. He served as a liaison with the FBI National CAAA, FBI Boston CAAA Chapter, FBI Headquarters, hotel venue, sponsors, and entertainers to ensure that full safety and security arrangements were met.
Richard Schwalberg, FBI National CAAA Vice President for Operations, made significant contributions in time and expertise overseeing the details of planning, sponsorship development, and production of the 2023 National Leadership Conference. Rich is an alumnus of the FBI Cleveland Citizens Academy Program.
Kate Stoan, an alumna of the FBI Cincinnati Citizens Academy Program and serves as Vice President for Chapter Services on the FBI National CAAA Board of Directors. She established a comprehensive integrated communications strategy to include the conference registration platform, online promotions, daily digital announcements, and branding oversight for the 2023 program.
“Individuals receiving the Presidential Gold Service Medal personify the highest standards and principles of the FBI and the FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association,” said Karen Corrigan, president of the FBI National CAAA. “The extraordinary volunteer contributions from Mr. Brandt, Mr. Fletcher, Mr. Schwalberg, and Ms. Stoan were instrumental to producing a highly successful educational program to support our chapter leaders and FBI partners.”
The medals were presented at the Association’s 16th Annual National Leadership Conference in Boston, Massachusetts.
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 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."
FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association is a nonprofit organization separate and apart from the FBI.
HUMANITARIAN SERVICE MEDAL AWARDED TO FBI NEW YORK CITIZENS ACADEMY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
(Boston, Massachusetts, June 28, 2023) - FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBI National CAAA) presented its Humanitarian Service Medal to the FBI New York Citizens Academy Alumni Association. The medal is awarded to Chapters who demonstrate innovative leadership and strong community support during or after a natural or manmade disaster.
"This medal recognizes unselfish member actions during or immediately following a tragedy in providing support to law enforcement and victims," said Karen Corrigan, president of the FBI National CAAA. "Chapters receiving the Humanitarian Service Medal personify the highest standards and principles of the FBI and the FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association."
Among the FBI New York CAAA's many initiatives, they were recognized for: their response to support victims of a horrific Bronx fire in 2022 that killed 17 people, including nine children, and injured dozens more; providing meals to NYPD staff following the loss of two police officers; bringing food donations to FDNY EMS Station 49 after a colleague was attacked and killed; and participating with the FBI New York Field Office in a 9/11 Memorial Service to honor FBI employees who lost their lives in the attack.
Additionally, Chapter volunteers frequently donate time and resources to bring food, clothing, bedding, cribs, toys, and other needed supplies to community organizations serving those in need. This past year, in concert with the FBI New York Field Office, they also contributed medical supplies to the people of Ukraine.
The medal was presented at the Association's 16th Annual National Leadership Conference in Boston, Massachusetts.
FBI NATIONAL CITIZENS ACADEMY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION HONORS CHAPTERS AT ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY
(Boston, Massachusetts, June 28, 2023) - FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBI National CAAA) recognized 23 Chapters at its annual Celebrating Excellence Awards Ceremony held at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel on June 28, 2023. The awards program honors FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association Chapters and individuals for outstanding performance over the prior year in support of the FBI's mission and community outreach goals.
Awards of Excellence are presented in five categories:
Excellence in Chapter Operations. This award recognizes outstanding Chapter leadership in governance, operations, and performance. Recipients were:
FBI Albuquerque CAAA
FBI Baltimore CAAA
FBI Birmingham CAAA
FBI Boston CAAA
FBI Cincinnati CAAA
FBI Denver CAAA
FBI Kansas City CAAA
FBI Little Rock CAAA
FBI Miami CAAA
FBI Minneapolis CAAA
FBI New Haven CAAA
FBI New York CAAA
Excellence in FBI Advocacy. This recognition honors Chapters that partner with FBI Field Offices to develop and host outstanding outreach programs to strengthen community relationships with the FBI. Recipients were:
FBI Boston CAAA FBI Kansas City CAAA FBI Newark CAAA
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. Recipients were:
Excellence in Alumni Driven Outreach. This award is presented to Chapters that engage alumni in meaningful ways to contribute volunteer time, talent, and expertise to support the FBI's goals. Recipients were:
Excellence in Innovation. The Excellence in Innovation Award is presented to Chapters who demonstrate innovative and creative approaches to community outreach in partnership with the FBI. Recipients were:
"Awards of Excellence acknowledge the achievements of the FBI National CAAA Chapters that produce exceptional results in operations and community outreach programming," said Karen Corrigan, president of the FBI National CAAA. "These Chapters personify the highest standards and principles of the FBI and the FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association."
The FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBINCAAA) s 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
