Michelle Ann Jupina Named Assistant Director of the FBI’s Records Management Division

Director Robert S. Mueller, III named Michelle Ann Jupina assistant director of the FBI’s Records Management Division. Ms. Jupina most recently served as deputy assistant director for operations support in the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division. Prior to this assignment, Ms. Jupina served for two years as special agent in charge of the Washington Field Office’s Intelligence Division.

“Michelle has served in numerous leadership roles during her 20 years with the FBI. As a manager, she has strengthened the FBI’s intelligence programs, and I am confident she will effectively lead the Records Management Division,” said Director Mueller.

Ms. Jupina started her FBI career in 1996 as a special agent. After completion of training at the FBI Academy, her first assignment was at the Washington Field Office, where she investigated cyber, white-collar crime, criminal, and counterintelligence matters. While serving in this office, she received the U.S. Attorney’s Award for leading a high-profile cyber investigation. She later became a supervisory special agent in the National Infrastructure Protection Center and then in the FBI’s Cyber Division.

She has held a variety of positions during her career. She served as special assistant to the executive assistant director (EAD) of the National Security Branch (NSB), the EAD of intelligence, and the deputy EAD of administration. Ms. Jupina played an integral role in strengthening the FBI’s intelligence program and assisted in the establishment of the Directorate of Intelligence and the NSB.

Ms. Jupina served as section chief of the NSB executive staff. She oversaw the coordination of the national security budget, performance metrics, strategy, training, human resource matters, information technology matters, communications, and policy issues that cut across the five NSB components: Counterterrorism Division, Counterintelligence Division, Directorate of Intelligence, Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate, and the Terrorist Screening Center.

Prior to joining the FBI, she worked for the Department of Defense. She graduated from Virginia Tech University and Pennsylvania State University. Ms. Jupina earned a master’s degree in engineering and holds two Bachelor of Science degrees in mathematics and education.

Youth Challenge Academy

In Honolulu, the National Guard Youth Challenge Program works to intervene in and reclaim the lives of high school dropouts, providing program graduates the skills they need to succeed. Since its establishment in 1994, more than 2,578 cadets have graduated from the program, with more than 2,200 earning their high school degree.

For 15 years, the Youth Challenge Academy, located in Kapolei, Hawaii, has worked to help youth, utilizing a two-phase plan for success. The initial residential phase is a five-and-a-half-month program that focuses on education and self-discipline. The second phase lasts for a year and pairs teens up with mentors.

On average, the program reaches about 400 teens a year, through two sessions of 200 graduates. Teens can be placed in the program through school counselors, the court system, and voluntarily.

By providing participants with the education needed to earn a high school degree, the Youth Challenge Program enables teens to contribute to society after graduation. The program opens cadets’ eyes to opportunities in higher education, the military, and other employment opportunities. Through their work, the Hawaii National Guard Youth Challenge Academy staff continue to change the lives of at-risk youth.

Denver Public Safety Program

In Denver, business leader Christian Anschutz has demonstrated a strong and sustained commitment to building safer communities through crime prevention programs and educational outreach in a variety of meaningful ways. As chairman of the Denver Police Foundation and president of the FBI’s Citizens’ Academy Alumni Association, he is a dedicated proponent of law enforcement and a change-inducing philanthropist who empowers other service organizations to make significant impacts in Colorado.

Through his work in the non-profit community, Mr. Anschutz has worked to raise money for initiatives aimed at reducing crime and improving life for Denver’s citizens. The Denver Police Foundation operates the Public Safety Program (PSP), which generates funds for officer safety equipment, training, and crime prevention; as well as the Police Officers’ Charitable Aid Program, which supports individual officers and their families in times of crisis.

Mr. Anschutz has also demonstrated dedication and commitment to his community and local schools by expanding and providing financial support for a number of creative initiatives, including ACT on Drugs, a non-profit program designed to educate and train communities on how to address drug problems; the Aurora Youth 4 Success Program, which provides young people opportunities to develop job-readiness skills that lead toward multiple pathways for a gang-free life; and Outward Bound, a non-profit organization that offers active learning expeditions to inspire character development.

Additionally, Mr. Anschutz serves on the boards of the University of Colorado-LEEDS School of Business, The Colorado Historical Society, the Mile High Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, General Kehler’s Co-Commanders Group - Buckley Air Force Base, and the Colorado Thirty Group. He is also an honorary colonel with the Colorado State Patrol.

STARS

In El Paso, Patrick Turley has demonstrated leadership as he works within the community to assist and protect victims of crime.

As the regional director for the Department of Family and Protective Services - Adult Protective Services (APS), Mr. Turley regularly attends the same training required by his caseworkers.

He came to the agency in 2005 at a time of statewide reform following several high-profile cases involving abuse of the elderly and disabled. With help from the Texas legislature, Mr. Turley has drastically changed the face of APS.

Recognizing that elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation are deep-rooted societal problems that must be addressed, Mr. Turley helped form the non-profit Silver Start Board to assist in raising additional funds and donations to be used for victims of abuse.

Mr. Turley also serves as the board president for STARS (Sexual Trauma and Assault Services - El Paso’s Rape Crisis Center) and the Crime Victims’ Rights Council, and is on the board of the Advocacy Center for the Children of El Paso, where he works with Child Protective Services and Child Care Licensing.

Mr. Turley graduated from the State University of New York at New Paltz with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science/economics in 1981. He went on to attend the Leadership Command College, Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas at Sam Houston State University in 1996. In 2001, he was honored by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Education as a master peace officer and instructor.

Astronaut

In Houston, Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr. is an accomplished physician, NASA astronaut, and businessman who currently serves as president of the Harris Foundation, Inc., headquartered in Houston.

Despite humble beginnings in a broken home, Dr. Harris pursued his dream of being a physician and later a NASA astronaut. He not only flew multiple space shuttle missions, he is actually the first African-American to walk in space. When he retired from NASA, he had logged more than 438 hours in space and had traveled more than 7.2 million miles.

Since his retirement, Dr. Harris has become a successful businessman and is currently on the board of directors for some of the world’s leading technology companies. He founded the Harris Foundation in 1998, with a mission to invest in community-based initiatives to support programs that empower individuals, particularly minorities and the economically disadvantaged, to recognize their potential.

The Harris Foundation sponsors programs such as the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camps, which promote the study of science and technology to disadvantaged students entering middle school. The foundation also co-sponsors the Dare to Dream program with the Harris County Juvenile Probation Office. Dare to Dream targets at-risk youth and explores crime prevention, as well as encourages the pursuit of careers in science and technology. The FBI Houston Field Office has partnered with Dare to Dream as part of its Adopt-A-School mission, and it regularly provides special agent guest speakers to meet with the Dare to Dream students at many Houston schools.

Using his own story, Dr. Harris inspires children in Houston to reach for the stars.

Isuthu Institute

In Detroit, Reverend Wendell Anthony is a well-known community leader who works to eliminate racial inequality and promote civil rights within the community.

Reverend Anthony became the pastor of Fellowship Chapel Church in 1986. Under his leadership, the church has experienced its greatest growth in its 44-year history. In addition to its full-time ministry, the church also offers courses ranging from computer programming to SAT and ACT prep classes.

Reverend Anthony is also the founder of the Isuthu Institute (Coming into Manhood Program) and its female counterpart, the Intonjane Institute. Both programs help mentor and mold children ages 6 through 18.

Over the last four decades, Reverend Anthony has demonstrated outstanding leadership and involvement with the citizens and youth of Detroit. In addition to serving as the president of the Detroit branch of the NAACP, he is a current member of several boards and councils in Detroit and also leads a group each year on a special pilgrimage to Africa. These efforts have not only resulted in stronger ties between Detroit and Africa, but have also led to the establishment of a health clinic in Ghana.

United States Radio Networks

Chicago’s Roe Conn is the host of the The Roe Report on United Stations Radio Networks and also hosts his own afternoon drive talk show on WLS-AM in Chicago. A Chicago native, Mr. Conn continues to be one of the city’s top-rated radio personalities. He has been recognized by Talkers Magazine as one of the “100 Most Influential Talk Show Hosts in America” and received the prestigious Radio and Records Industry Achievement Award for the Best Local Talk Show Host in America.

Mr. Conn is very committed to leadership, law enforcement and serving his community. He produces and hosts an annual concert to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and he fundraises for the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, the Illinois Crime Commission, and the United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. Mr. Conn is also a member of the board of directors for the USO of Illinois.

Both the Chicago Police Department and the U.S. Marine Corps have recognized him for his dedication, making him a Gold Star member of the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation and an honorary member of the Marine Corps League.

Mr. Conn has also done extensive work with the FBI and has invited the special agent in charge and other office personnel to appear on his show. He served as the master of ceremonies for the FBI’s 100th anniversary celebration and donated to the FBI Citizens’ Academy Alumni Association, which sponsored the event.

WAGB-TV 6

In Jackson, WABG-TV6 assistant news director/anchor Tanya Carter works to educate the community while promoting law enforcement. Ms. Carter came to the Mississippi Delta from New York City in July 2003 with a reputation as a direct, no-nonsense reporter.

While in high school, Ms. Carter was selected to participate in the Upward Bound program, funded under the Title IV Higher Education Act of 1965. She says the experience was a turning point in her life and gave her the motivation, confidence, and scholarship opportunities to pursue her dream of a career in broadcasting.

As a result of her personal experience, she volunteers with the Mississippi Valley State University’s Upward Bound youth summer program, offering career guidance to more than 160 high school students each year, and she has invited members of the Jackson Field Office to participate in the program. Many attendees have said they have a newfound interest in pursuing careers in law enforcement, particularly with the FBI.

A 2009 graduate of the FBI Citizens’ Academy, Ms. Carter has been instrumental in providing opportunities for the Jackson Field Office special agent in charge to speak to political and civic groups within the Mississippi Delta community.

As a reporter, Ms. Carter has been a strong supporter of law enforcement and has earned the respect of many federal, state, county, and local agencies. She has been the recipient of several humanitarian, journalism, and broadcasting awards.

Civil Rights Work

Avon William Rollins, Sr. is known for his sustained exemplary service in the civil rights arena as well as his leadership in promoting collaboration among ethnic and minority groups. Mr. Rollins currently serves as the director and CEO of the Beck Cultural Exchange Center, Inc., and is a member of FBI Knoxville’s Community Engagement Council and the East Tennessee Civil Rights Working Group.

Mr. Rollins retired in 1994 from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) as manager of Minority Resources and Development, where he directed TVA’s investments in the minority community and leveraged those funds to generate over $30 million from federal, state, and foundation sources. His leadership in developing successful economic and financial initiatives to benefit African-Americans has included founding Magnolia Federal Savings and Loan, serving as the former chair of the Knoxville Communications Cooperation, and acquiring the first black-owned cable radio and television station in America.

Mr. Rollins serves as an adjunct professor to historically black colleges under the auspices of the National Urban League’s Black Executive Exchange Program. He has also served as a member of the U.S. Congressional Black Caucus Brain Trust.

As one of the co-founders of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, he counts the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X as personal friends. As a result of his civil rights advocacy across the South, more than 20 minority leadership programs have been created for grassroots community development organizations.

Due to his tireless dedication in advancing civil rights, Mr. Rollins has received numerous national, state, and local accolades from organizations such as the National Business League and the Booker T. Washington Foundation. He was bestowed the Heritage Award from the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis and the East Tennessee Minority Professional Association. He has twice been honored with the Minority Business Advocate Award from the U.S. Department of Commerce. In 1993, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators presented him with the National Builders Award. In 1994, Mr. Rollins was honored by the National Association of Human Rights Workers.

Florida Fourth Judicial Circuit

Mr. Bernie de la Rionda serves as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida. In Florida, Mr. de la Rionda’s reputation as an exceptional prosecutor is legendary. In his 27 years of service, he has had more than 250 jury trials, 67 of which were homicide cases.  During the last two years, from 2009 to 2010, Mr. de la Rionda was the lead counsel in five homicide trials, all of which were first-degree murder cases. Furthermore, in 22 cases he was successful in obtaining a death penalty recommendation and sentence.

Mr. de la Rionda demonstrates great passion for the work that he does, and he strives to promote a deeper sense of understanding of individual responsibility. Both in and out of the courtroom, Mr. de la Rionda is a dynamic and powerful communicator who is humble and approachable. The State’s Attorney, Angela B. Corey, wrote, “It is an honor for our young lawyers to have the great privilege of learning from his wealth of information and experience.”

The citizens of northeast Florida are the beneficiaries of the integrity and selflessness demonstrated throughout his career. FBI Jacksonville is honored to recognize Mr. de la Rionda for his notable service, leadership, and significant contributions to the prosecution of crime in Florida.

Brenda L. Heck Named Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Office’s Counterterrorism Division

Director Robert S. Mueller, III named Brenda L. Heck special agent in charge of the Washington Field Office’s Counterterrorism Division. Ms. Heck most recently served as deputy assistant director in the Counterterrorism Division at FBI Headquarters and has more than 22 years of service to the FBI.

Prior to her career with the FBI, she was a special agent with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service from 1985-88. In 1988, Ms. Heck completed new agent training at the FBI Academy and began her career at the New York Field Office.

While in the New York Field Office, she spent 14 years working extensively on investigations involving fugitives, crimes against children, and civil rights. She was a member of the New York Field Office Scuba Team and was awarded the medal of merit.

In 2002, Ms. Heck was promoted to supervisory special agent in the Criminal Investigative Division, Violent Crimes/Major Offenders Section, at FBI Headquarters for her leadership ability. After working in the Criminal Investigative Division, she transferred to the Counterterrorism Division and served as a supervisory special agent, unit chief, and assistant section chief of the International Terrorism Operations Section.

Ms. Heck completed the Leadership in Counterterrorism program in 2006, a program sponsored by the Australian Federal Police in conjunction with the FBI. In October 2009, she received the Director’s Award for Excellence in intelligence analysis for her work on the Strategic Execution Team initiative, a two-year project to realign FBI intelligence functions.

Ms. Heck graduated from James Madison University in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science degree in political science. Additionally, she earned a Master of Arts in homeland security and defense studies from the Naval Postgraduate School.

Louisville EMA

In Louisville, A.J. ‘Bud’ Fekete has spent his career promoting emergency preparedness among local residents. In addition to conducting extensive hazmat and emergency management training across the United States, he has also worked as a firefighter and in emergency management and public health.

In 1986, Mr. Fekete retired as deputy chief from the Louisville Division of Fire and Rescue. Thereafter, he worked with the Louisville Metro Emergency Management Agency (EMA), where he was promoted to assistant director. In 2002, Mr. Fekete retired from Louisville EMA and was hired by the Louisville Metro Health Department, where he continues to serve as an authority on community response to consequence management in the event of a terrorist attack. In cooperation with the Center for Disease Control, Mr. Fekete managed a training contract for the Community Based Emergency Response program. The training provided local responders a comprehensive look at bioterrorism and preparedness planning and response. At the request of other communities, Mr. Fekete’s team traveled to Alaska, Hawaii, Arizona, Cincinnati, and Indiana to provide the training.

Mr. Fekete, along with the Louisville special agent in charge, serves as co-chair for the Louisville Metro/Jefferson County WMD Executive Crisis Group—a collaborative effort between public safety and public health officials from federal, state, and local government agencies to plan for and respond to terrorist events involving weapons of mass destruction in the metro area. The group has been recognized as a model program for communities across the country and, in 1999, briefed then-Attorney General Janet Reno on the organization and their success.

Mr. Fekete has led Louisville Metro in the Cities Readiness Initiative. Through this program, the community has become better prepared in protecting itself during health emergencies.

Young Life Memphis

In Memphis, Pastor Eli T. Morris serves as a chaplain for the FBI and, through his work with Hope Presbyterian Church, works to discourage teens from gangs, drugs, and violence.

Born and raised in Memphis, Dr. Morris spent 11 years on the staff of Young Life Memphis, a non-denominational Christian organization that works with teens. For eight of those years, he worked as the urban director, helping youth find healthy alternatives to gang life and violence.

In 1989, Dr. Morris left Young Life to join the staff of Hope Presbyterian Church, which at the time had only 120 parishioners. Today, Hope is the largest Presbyterian Church in the United States.

In addition to teaching and preaching at Hope, Dr. Morris remains committed to serving the city’s urban core. He was the first executive director of the Memphis Center for Urban Theological Studies and has served as an adjunct professor, helping urban leaders access theological education.

Dr. Morris was also the first executive director of the Urban Youth Initiative, which works to equip, empower, and support dedicated youth ministers and the local church community to effectively reach urban youth in Memphis.

He is also a founder and current chairman of Oasis of Hope, a Christian community development corporation in North Memphis. He has served on the board of directors for the STREETS Ministry, the Neighborhood Christian Center, Luke 4:18 Ministries, and MIFA Emergency Services.

Teen Angels

In New Jersey, Parry Aftab has worked with the FBI and the Newark Division since the 1999 inception of Newark’s Innocent Images Initiative.

Ms. Aftab, a noted author, child advocate, attorney, and leading authority on security, privacy, and cyber law, is the founder and executive director of wiredsafety.org. In addition to writing and promoting the first law enforcement investigator’s guide for social networks, Ms. Aftab also helped create MTV’s “A Thin Line” campaign, which educates teens about cyber safety.

In an effort to keep kids safe online, Ms. Aftab created a cyber safety initiative for the Girl Scouts, which has since educated 2.5 million girls regarding online safety. In addition, she drafted the Teen Angels Program, which allows teens to train for two years to become cyber crime prevention and cyber safety experts. Graduates of the Teen Angels Program go on to train their peers and have helped advise law enforcement agencies, including the FBI.

Currently, Ms. Aftab is creating a law enforcement cyber safety training portal for Ontario law enforcement agencies in Canada, and has created presentation materials and resources for law enforcement worldwide to be used in community outreach programs.

Throughout her career, Ms. Aftab has proven to be a tireless advocate for children. In 1999, UNESCO recruited her to lead its sexual exploitation of children awareness campaign, Innocence in Danger. When the program was not funded as planned, she continued her work without funding.

In 2001, she was asked to meet with the White House to help address the growing fear that children of Middle Eastern descent would be targeted by hate groups in the aftermath of 9/11. In response, she organized the E-Mail to America project, inspiring her clients and supporters to create a portal where children across the world could voice their fears and concerns.

Courage to be You

Jenny Williamson works with victims of human trafficking and helps educate the community about sex trafficking of minors. She has also led a fundraising campaign to purchase a ranch that can house young girls who have been rescued from a life of prostitution.

Currently, there are no other similar homes in Northern California for girls who are rescued from trafficking. With no place to go, many victims must be charged with a crime and taken to juvenile hall—the only safe group “house” that currently exists.

The founder and CEO of the non-profit Courage to be You, Ms. Williamson works to “equip, encourage, and empower individuals to discover their God-given purpose.” She bases her work on the principle that before any individual can recognize their potential and discover their purpose, their most basic human needs must be met.

Ms. Williamson believes that the world is changed one individual at a time. As a professionally trained life coach, former women’s ministry director, conference speaker, workshop leader, business owner, wife, mother, and very passionate cheerleader of those wanting to embark on a journey of purpose and passion, Ms. Williamson believes that discovering and fulfilling one’s unique purpose is the adventure of a lifetime.

Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization

Since 1976, the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) has empowered more than 100,000 refugees and legal immigrants to successfully integrate into American society. IRCO has been a national leader in promoting community cooperation, education and crime prevention efforts, and youth services.

IRCO leads the way in offering educational and crime prevention programs. It holds workshops on public safety, the legal system, and emergency services for newly arrived refugees. IRCO has also been instrumental in helping immigrants and refugees become engaged in the civic process through its innovative Civic Engagement Program. This is a four-month program in which community leaders agree to put aside their fears of government in order to be more informed and engaged citizens. It is through educational workshops such as these that IRCO is helping to develop community cooperation and change negative perceptions of government and law enforcement in the immigrant and refugee communities.

Additionally, IRCO has played a key role in the state of Oregon in developing programs for local youth, including mentoring, employment, and gang prevention services. IRCO’s goal is to increase graduation rates while lowering criminal activity, truancy, and substance abuse. For instance, a recent effort placed 228 young people between the ages of 16 and 24 in summer jobs within the city of Portland, private businesses, and non-profit organizations. The youth were at risk for or experiencing homelessness, criminal activity, exposure to gangs, teen pregnancy, foster care, runaway status, and/or mental or physical disabilities. In 2006, IRCO created a Youth Gang Prevention Program to address the growing gang problem and gang violence. Nearly 4,000 youth have benefited from these services.

Sokhom Tauch is the executive director of IRCO. In his 34 years of work with IRCO, he has helped to grow IRCO into an organization that serves more than 45 ethnicities with more than 60 different languages. Under Tauch’s leadership, IRCO continues to provide exemplary immigrant assistance programs to address Oregon’s growing refugee and immigrant populations.

Marin City

Bridge the Gap College Prep provides comprehensive educational support for children in Marin City, with the goal that every Marin City child remains and excels in school, graduates from high school, and completes college.

Since its inception in 1995, Bridge the Gap College Prep has been leading Marin City students to realize academic achievement through its extended learning program, evening tutoring, and other initiatives.

To date, more than 275 children—most living in generational poverty—have improved their academic performance through Bridge the Gap’s programs. By keeping children engaged in academics, Bridge the Gap College Prep programs have prevented many of the city’s most vulnerable children from being lured into violent street gangs, substance/drug abuse, juvenile delinquency, and/or criminal behavior.

Marin City is predominately comprised of minority communities who reside in high-density Section 8 housing. Residents experience high unemployment rates and live in a high-crime area, evidenced by the fact that 65 percent of the total number of calls served by the Marin County Sheriff’s Office resolve to Marin City.

FBI employees regularly volunteer as tutors for the program and have personally experienced the impact Bridge the Gap College Prep programs have on disadvantaged youth.

KENS 5 Excel Award

Deborah Knapp is an award-winning television news journalist who demonstrates a strong commitment to community, law enforcement, and the FBI. Ms. Knapp has been an anchorwoman at CBS affiliate KENS 5 TV since 1987. Her numerous national and international assignments include covering Hurricane Katrina and the aftermath in New Orleans, the tragedy at Columbine, and the funeral of Pope John Paul II.

Ms. Knapp has been instrumental in developing partnerships between the community and her television station. When gang violence was escalating across the city, Ms. Knapp produced a series of special reports entitled Keep Our Kids Safe, which brought community leaders together in televised forums to solicit community input and support.

In 1999, she helped launch the KENS 5 Excel Award, recognizing an outstanding public school teacher from every local district. Education and community service are important to Ms. Knapp, and in 1994, she established a scholarship at her alma mater, The University of Texas. Each year, a San Antonio student who has demonstrated a commitment to community is awarded the Deborah Knapp Scholarship to help pay for his or her education. Active in the community, Ms. Knapp is currently serving on the boards of the Boy Scouts of America, the FBI San Antonio Citizens’ Academy Alumni Association, the Chamber Orchestra of San Antonio, and the Las Misiones Capital Campaign, which raises money to restore San Antonio's historic missions.

A 2008 graduate of the FBI’s Citizens’ Academy, Ms. Knapp produced a number of news stories about her experience attending the class. In March 2010, she traveled to the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia to film a series that focused on the Behavioral Science Unit’s development of the Evil Minds Research Museum, which is dedicated to understanding serial killers.

Ms. Knapp has also been instrumental in establishing the FBI San Antonio Citizens’ Academy Alumni Association (CAAA) chapter. She served as secretary for the interim CAAA board and currently sits on the board of directors and chairs the program committee. Her commitment to the chapter has reaped great benefits for the FBI—in less than a year, 80 Citizens’ Academy graduates have become members of the alumni chapter.

CARE Centers

Dr. Earl Sutherland, Jr. is a clinical child psychologist who also serves as the director for the Child and Adolescent Referral and Evaluation (CARE) Centers located on the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservations in Montana. In this capacity, he utilizes proactive and innovative approaches to address the prevention of child sexual abuse and family violence by providing a variety of services to children and families.

Through his work, Dr. Sutherland has made a multi-generational impact on a significant social problem in the Native American community, helping to prevent sexual abuse and family violence.

Dr. Sutherland’s work with the CARE Centers started in April 2007, when he opened the first center on the Crow Indian Reservation. The child advocacy foundation offers specialized diagnostic counseling, behavioral health services, and medical services to children who have been impacted by violent crime. The success with the first center resulted in the opening of the second location on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in January 2010. Both centers assist law enforcement by responding to investigations of child sexual abuse involving multiple perpetrators.

In an effort to reach more people and assist other communities, Dr. Sutherland is sharing his expertise by providing training for every Indian reservation in Montana and for other tribes across the country.

M.A.N. U.P.

Travis Terrell Gabriel, Safe Coordinator with Orange County Schools, works as a positive role model to at-risk youth. Six years ago, he started Modeling Alternatives to Negative and Undesirable Perceptions, or M.A.N. U.P., which is used by the State Attorney’s Office as a diversion program, allowing first-time offenders a chance to avoid formal prosecution if diversion requirements are successfully completed.

The six-week program for at-risk males teaches young men values including discipline, respect, motivation, honesty, and becoming positive assets to society.

Growing up in a high-crime, poverty-stricken area of Miami, Mr. Gabriel was raised by a single mother who died a day after his 16th birthday in connection with alcoholism and domestic violence. In 2003, Mr. Gabriel graduated from the University of Central Florida and made it his priority to positively influence at-risk young males.

To date, Mr. Gabriel has educated more than 400 young men and has an estimated 80 percent success rate of keeping participants from re-entering the juvenile system. He receives no financial compensation for running the program.

Proyecto Sin Paredes, Inc.

In San Juan, Carlos McCormack works as the co-founder of Proyecto Sin Paredes, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to serving adults with disabilities.

For more than 18 years, Proyecto Sin Paredes has touched the lives of many adults with disabilities, acting as an instrumental force in providing educational programs on violence prevention, discrimination laws, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other topics.

This year, Proyecto Sin Paredres invited the FBI San Juan office to participate in their summer camp.

Mr. McCormack, a 2009 FBI Citizens’ Academy Alumni member, remains committed to supporting the FBI by increasing public awareness as well as the safety of the community.

As an organization, Proyecto Sin Paredes contributes to the well-being and quality of life of its members by espousing the philosophy that there are no limitations to how far one can go.

Having participated as a volunteer for the Muscular Dystrophy Association from a young age, Mr. McCormack has been a long-standing advocate for community awareness of the civil rights of people with disabilities.

FOX News Most Wanted

For the past two years, Q13 FOX News’ “Washington’s Most Wanted” show has worked to highlight missing fugitives and promote community awareness and safety. The show has become a statewide crime-fighting effort, helping to catch more than 190 fugitives to date, including murderers, bank robbers, and child molesters.

Mr. Rose is an anchor for Q13 FOX News and is the host and producer of “Washington’s Most Wanted.” Working with local, state, and federal law enforcement, he features hundreds of unsolved crimes on the show, including many cold cases.

The show has also highlighted the FBI’s Citizens’ Academy program—promoting the program and educating viewers on the FBI’s mission and priorities.

Mr. Rose has become a partner of the Seattle Community Outreach program, acting as a commencement speaker for Citizens’ Academy graduations and as a celebrity host for the G-Man Desert Shootout golf tournament, a charitable event benefiting the FBIAA National Trust Fund, which provides college scholarships to the children of agents killed in the line of duty.

Through all of his efforts, Mr. Rose has demonstrated a significant commitment to the community—not only by reporting on crime, but by acting as an advocate for victims and as a conduit for law enforcement.

Human Trafficking Victim Services

In Buffalo, the Human Trafficking Victim Services program at the International Institute of Buffalo recently assisted the Western New York Human Trafficking Task Force and Alliance, which is comprised of the FBI and other law enforcement agencies, in a joint investigation involving sex trafficking and related charges.

The International Institute of Buffalo was established in 1918 to support immigrants who face exploitation. In 2007, the Human Trafficking Victim Services program was created to provide services to victims of human trafficking.

Thanks to their most recent assistance, the FBI and other local partners were successful in dismantling four massage parlors acting as fronts for commercial sex operations.

The main defendant, Len Wah Chong, admitted to owning and operating four targeted massage parlors. Victims were coerced into performing sex acts at Chong’s parlors for a fee, which went to Chong. Victims were also forced to pay Chong $25 a day.

After the defendants were arrested and the victims were rescued, the International Institute of Buffalo Human Trafficking Victim Services program provided resources and assistance to the victims, which included protection and safety plans, social services advocacy, interpretation/translation services, medical assistance, legal assistance, job training, and English training. After the conclusion of the investigation, the International Institute of Buffalo continued to show its leadership and partnership capabilities by assisting the task force with ongoing cases regarding civil rights violations.

Arkansas Advocates for Nursing Home Residents

In Little Rock, Martha Deaver’s tragic experiences with two Arkansas nursing homes caused her to become an advocate for the elderly. After both her mother and mother-in-law were victims of nursing home abuse, she shared her story with a journalist, and it was later published in Ladies Home Journal.

Today, Mrs. Deaver is the president of the Arkansas Advocates for Nursing Home Residents (AANHR), an organization dedicated to protecting the elderly from abuse in nursing homes and seeking justice through prosecution of those victimizing the elderly.

For three years, she worked to supply information and data to Trudy Lieberman, the director of an organization that provides consumer reports regarding health issues. As a result, Consumer Reports released one of the most in-depth looks at America’s nursing homes to date.

Mrs. Deaver also created the AANHR’s first National Nursing Assistant Recognition Awards to recognize certified nursing assistants from across the state. In addition, she established the first program that recognizes National Resident’s Rights Week. She has chaired both events for the past five years.

Her efforts are best described by Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe, who said, “She is an advocate in the best sense of the word, tirelessly supporting and defending others.”

American Legion

Robert K. Caudell serves as the deputy director for the Americanism and Children & Youth Division at the American Legion National Headquarters, working as a liaison to the National Commission on Children & Youth and as executive secretary to the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation.

After serving as an educator for 17 years in Indiana, Mr. Caudell worked as the program coordinator for the American Legion’s education and scholarship program. He has also worked as the assistant director of the Americanism and Children & Youth Division.

Because of his extensive community involvement, Mr. Caudell was selected as a participant in the Indianapolis Division’s inaugural Citizens’ Academy program. As a graduate of the first class, Mr. Caudell has served the Citizens’ Academy Alumni Foundation for the past nine years. Most recently, he served on the executive board as the foundation’s treasurer.

LEAD

LEAD San Diego works to affect positive change by developing leaders to improve underserved communities. Through their Leadership Action Team initiative and Graduate Task Force efforts, LEAD has addressed the needs of agencies that are invested in prevention-based strategies and after-school/mentoring programs by raising awareness and providing educational training.

By offering issue-based programming, leadership skill-building, and community volunteer opportunities, LEAD helps develop regional leaders who understand and can respond to the quality of life challenges facing the greater San Diego region.

LEAD programs are designed to engage, develop, and mobilize diverse groups of emerging and current San Diego leaders, equipping them with an understanding of the region, the personal skills, and the right network of people to accomplish great things as civic and community leaders.

LEAD San Diego is committed to the development and emergence of women, minorities, and those living in traditionally underserved areas of San Diego County as future leaders, and to ensuring that leadership reflects the diversity of the San Diego area.

Columbia Urban League, Inc.

In Columbia, James T. McLawhorn, Jr. has served as the president and CEO of the Columbia Urban League, Inc., since 1979. and is nationally recognized as a leader in race and community relations. He has appeared in hundreds of articles, news features, and public affairs programs addressing topics such as race and social policy.

Under Mr. McLawhorn’s visionary leadership, the Columbia Urban League has partnered with various organizations and entities to promote social justice, civil rights, and equal opportunities. In addition to partnering with the Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office and churches, he has supported and worked with the

Drug Court

to generate awareness about the program and encourage collaboration.

As the chief planner for the King Day at the Dome, the largest civil rights demonstration held in the history of South Carolina, he drew more than 50,000 people to downtown Columbia to protest the flying of the Confederate flag atop the South Carolina State House.

He is also involved with the Columbia FBI Citizens’ Academy Alumni Association, Harvard University Civil Rights Project, United States Department of Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee for Minority Veterans, Wachovia National Bank Community Advisory Board, National Governors Association Public Policy Advisory Board on Transitioning Foster Care, and numerous other organizations.

Peace Valley Foundation

In Birmingham, the Peace Valley Foundation (PVF) works to build bridges in the Turkish American community, promoting better understanding and closer relations between individuals and communities.

As an organization, PVF hosts dialogue dinners, dialogue trips to Turkey, essay contests, and the Whirling Dervishes of Rumi. PVF seeks to proactively contribute to solving educational, cultural, environmental, social, and humanitarian issues.

FBI Citizens’ Academy graduate Satilmis Budak, PVF president, will be receiving the award on behalf of the Peace Valley Foundation.

Founded in Huntsville, Alabama, PVF has six chapters across the state. The group believes dialogue is critical to solving the world’s problems. PVF hopes to contribute to world peace by showcasing the Turkish historical experience of the art of living together via respect, acceptance, dialogue, love, and richness of faith and culture.

The ultimate goals of PVF, according to President Budak, are building bridges, promoting diversity, and preventing terrorism.

PVF operates on the following principals:

■We will not engage in debates because debate implies a winning and losing side. Dialogue should result in both sides winning by improving their understanding.

■We will not engage in political discourse since political differences often result in highlighting dissimilarities and feelings out of anger. Instead, we will focus on universal and timeless human values.

■We will focus on our similarities while acknowledging our genuine differences.

■We will respect everyone’s God given right to choose what they believe. It is possible to respect someone while not agreeing with them on every issue.

■We will work hard to remove misunderstandings and take the first step when necessary.

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

Part of the 300-member National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) family, the 64-member Team Adam provides rapid, on-site assistance to law enforcement agencies and families in cases of missing, abducted, and sexually exploited children. Its members are retired law enforcement professionals with years of investigative experience at the federal, state, and local levels. Team members deploy to sites where investigations are initiated, providing on-the-ground technical assistance and connecting local law enforcement with a national network of resources. The team’s mission is to improve the odds of recovering missing or abducted children by responding quickly.

The Washington Field Office’s Crimes Against Children squad works closely with NCMEC in their daily efforts to protect children exploited by predators, pornographers, and other criminals. Team Adam also offers on-site guidance and expertise in pursuing child exploitation investigations, as well as assistance to victims and families. Team Adam provides these services free of charge.

Since its inception in 2003, Team Adam has deployed personnel to support 450 investigations. To date, more than 500 children have been located. Because no child is forgotten, team members continue to assist in the search of 38 children who are still missing.

As is often said, time is the enemy in the case of a missing child. This award recognizes Team Adam’s effort to provide expert citizen assistance to law enforcement.

Sister Mary Lou Specha

In New Orleans, Sister Mary Lou Specha works with at-risk youth at Café Reconcile, a non profit organization committed to stopping the generational cycle of poverty, violence, and neglect by providing life skills and job training programs.

Since 2000, Café Reconcile has graduated more than 500 youth between the ages of 16 and 22 from the nine-week program, empowering them to successfully enter the workforce.

As executive director, Sister Mary Lou Specha offers culinary arts training to more than 90 young people a year. Many of these youth come from a background of extreme poverty and horrific violence. In addition to helping students finish high school (more than 90 percent of Café Reconcile participants are high school dropouts), the program also teaches financial literacy, parenting, communication, and conflict resolution skills.

By encouraging personal growth, workforce development, and entrepreneurship, Café Reconcile works to place its graduates with local restaurants, including the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, the Roosevelt Hotel, Tulane University, and Oschner Hospitals.

After students graduate, their progress is tracked for four months. Café Reconcile has found that more than 60 percent of students successfully work for the entire period.

The Community Idea Stations

In Richmond, The Community Idea Stations have partnered with the FBI to promote the FBI Safe Online Surfing (FBI-SOS) program—an initiative aimed at keeping students safe on the Internet.

This year, The Community Idea Stations—a division of Commonwealth Public Broadcasting—began reaching out to its more than 400,000 viewers and listeners with a campaign promoting the FBI-SOS program. The campaign is expected to expand with the inclusion of radio and television advertising as this partnership continues to grow.

CEO Curtis Monk, an FBI Citizens’ Academy graduate, has become a strong partner of the FBI’s Community Outreach Program, and has allowed the division to host FBI Citizens’ Academy Alumni Association events at the station. Recently, close to 100 Citizens’ Academy alumni gathered to learn about the FBI’s Safe Online Surfing Program.

The Community Idea Stations have worked to develop a strategy to promote the FBI SOS in Central Virginia. Through this collaboration, the FBI has developed strong relationships with local school districts.

Shakila Ahmad

A strong partner of local law enforcement and the FBI, Shakila Ahmad is an enthusiastic community leader who has dedicated herself to numerous civic and community causes. An active member of the board of trustees at the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati since 1995, Mrs. Ahmad has worked to educate law enforcement personnel and community leaders about the Muslim faith through the Tours & Talks program. She also spearheaded the creation of the nationally recognized A Visit to a Mosque in America, an educational DVD which has increased understanding of Islam and the Muslim community in the United States.

In addition to her extensive work at the Islamic center, Mrs. Ahmad has taken a proactive role in promoting peace through dialogue by establishing the Muslim Mothers Against Violence initiative. This group works to connect with mothers of all faiths to increase awareness about violence and find constructive ways to resolve conflict.

Mrs. Ahmad continues to be a dedicated supporter of the FBI’s outreach initiatives. In 2008, she worked with the Cincinnati Field Office in assembling a Multi-Cultural Advisory Council to strengthen ties between the office and local ethnic, religious, and minority communities.

Mrs. Ahmad also serves as the board chair of BRIDGES for a Just Community, a local organization dedicated to achieving inclusion, equity, and justice. In addition, she is on the executive board of directors for the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, the Islamic Educational Council board of trustees, the Ohio Humanities Council, and the YWCA Cincinnati board.

Angela DeLeon

In New Haven, FBI Citizens’ Academy Alumni member Angela DeLeon is the originator and coordinator of a nationally recognized crime prevention program for senior citizens, the People’s United Bank Masters Program.

In 1996, People’s United Bank became one of the first banks in the country to develop a program designed with the safety of its senior citizen customer base in mind. The program is intended to promote financial security and awareness and brings together representatives from law enforcement, private and not-for-profit business, the office of the attorney general, and senior advocacy agencies.

Prior to joining People’s United Bank, Ms. DeLeon worked for the Bridgeport Police Department, where she instituted the first formal crime prevention program tailored to the needs of senior citizens. She initiated the nationally recognized File of Life Program and the Yellow Dot Program, both of which offer first responders medical history information in the event that a patient cannot speak.

Ms. DeLeon is a national expert who speaks at senior centers, senior housing associations, assisted living facilities, and seminars held in People’s United Bank branches throughout the country, working to keep senior citizens from being unsuspecting targets.

She is a member of the advisory board of the National Association of Triads, Inc., and the director of the State of Connecticut Triad Association. In 2000, she was recognized by the Crime Prevention Association of Connecticut as the Practitioner of the Year.

Michael DeStefano

In Pittsburgh, Michael DeStefano works tirelessly to invest in his community. As the chairman of the Federal Executive Board, Hispanic Employment Program Committee, he has worked to improve Hispanic recruitment in federal government. He has directed the committee in organizing multiple job fairs to promote employment opportunities and in presenting Hispanic community human resource panel discussions.

In addition to his work with the Department of Defense’s Defense Electronic Supply Center, he also serves on the executive board of the local American Federation of Government Employees union. In 2010, he graduated from the FBI Citizens’ Academy.

Mr. DeStefano is involved in multiple volunteer endeavors, including the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania, where he serves as a handball, basketball, softball, track and field, and soccer coach. He has also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, refurbishing abandoned buildings in at-risk areas for families in need.

As a result of the contract work he performed during his government service, he was inspired to volunteer with small businesses in the Pittsburgh area, organizing local presentations on the process of small business growth through collaboration with various government agencies. He remains committed to improving his community, taking pride in service and helping people in emergency situations.

Polly Brunkhardt

In Kansas City, Polly Brunkhardt is a former president and active member of her local Citizens’ Academy Alumni chapter.

In 2010, Mrs. Brunkhardt served as the chairperson for the FBI National Citizens’ Alumni Association (FBINCAA) and the coordinator for the FBI Community Outreach in-service held in Kansas City. In that role, she worked with FBI Headquarters staff to select, implement, and execute the FBINCAA’s first community engagement project.

In her role as the conference coordinator, Mrs. Brunkhardt worked for more than a year to locate local community partners and financial supporters for the community engagement project, which brought more than 200 FBI and FBICAAA members together in June 2010.

Working with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Kansas City Parks and Recreation, Mrs. Brunkhardt identified a local soccer league that serves more than 600 youth and teens. Despite the popularity of the league, which was started by two fathers looking to keep their sons out of gangs, their local field was in disrepair.

In an effort to build bridges between the Kansas City Field Office and the diverse Old Northeast neighborhood, which encompasses more than 54 different languages and cultures, Mrs. Brunkhardt located additional sponsors and, along with her conference committee and the FBI National Citizens’ Academy alumni, raised more than $20,000 for the project.

Through her efforts, FBI staff and Citizens’ Academy representatives from across the country traveled to Kansas City and worked to enhance the field—clearing overgrown brush and installing bleachers and picnic benches—with the goal of developing and enhancing relationships and providing a safe and usable environment for the children of the area.

Mike and Mickey Gottfried

In Mobile, Mike and Mickey Gottfried have been providing support for young men without father figures through their community outreach program, Team Focus.

A former major college football coach at the University of Kansas and University of Pittsburgh, Mr. Gottfried also worked as a college football analyst for ESPN. Now, he’s dedicated to having a positive impact on youth who need adult role models.

In conjunction with families, teachers, and counselors, Team Focus works to equip boys ages 10-18 with leadership skills, guidance, godly values, and a continuing relationship with a mentor.

Mr. and Mrs. Gottfried launched the first Camp Focus in Mobile, Alabama during the summer of 2000. The program continued to grow, and since 2004, Team Focus has hosted between four and seven leadership camps per summer across the country in Texas, Alabama, Ohio, Tennessee, Michigan, California, and Washington, D.C.

The summer programs focus on inspirational, community, social, and academic guidance. During the school year, Team Focus staff follows up with activities so that members can develop lifelong friendships and participate in new and different life experiences.

In 2006, the organization held its first Team Focus United Rally. More than 600 Team Focus members from 28 different states attended the four-day leadership rally.

The following year, First Lady Laura Bush visited Team Focus during the national camp, where she served as part of a panel discussion with Team Focus campers, their mothers, other mentors, and Coach Mike Gottfried.

2010 Director’s Community Leadership Awards

In Atlanta, Daniel O. Vargas is an advocate for the Latino community and serves on numerous boards in the Atlanta area, to include The Mexican Center, Roswell Intercultural Alliance, Hugh Spaulding Children’s Hospital, The Latin American Association, United Way Outreach Program, and the Cobb County Hispanic/Latino Initiative.

In 1990, Mr. Vargas established Vargas Flores & Amigos—the only Hispanic advertising agency in Atlanta at that time. Mr. Vargas and his wife, Jennifer, also established The Three Kings Celebration, a housing service that helps needy families. Mr. and Mrs. Vargas have collected over 11,400 diapers, 51 baby cribs, numerous twin beds, sleeping bags clothing, furniture, and food in an effort to help families in need.

Mr. Vargas has earned more than 75 national and international community service awards for his work. He is also a member of the FBI Atlanta Citizens’ Academy Alumni Association.

2010 Director’s Community Leadership Awards

Oklahoma City resident Mark Elam became an advocate for stopping the cycle of human trafficking and subsequently traveled to India, South Asia, and the Philippines to actively work with organizations that rescue girls from sex trafficking.

Since then, he has formed an international organization—Angel Eyes—to help support, house, and restore victims of human trafficking. He also works to combat the problem in the United States, serving as a member of the FBI-led Oklahoma Human Trafficking Group (OHTG) and as the founder of the Oklahomans Against Trafficking of Humans.

Currently, Mr. Elam serves as the primary administrator of OHTG and has developed an extensive network of social service providers, medical providers, shelters, and victim advocates, many of whom joined OHTG as active members. Through his work, Mr. Elam maintains a victim-centered approach that is needed to successfully rescue and rehabilitate victims of trafficking.

In an effort to increase understanding of the issue, Mr. Elam has formed two community action teams, staffed by hundreds of volunteers, that actively work toward public awareness, victim advocacy, shelter, and foster care, The teams also work with Oklahoma state legislators to improve state laws and increase funded assistance to the recovery and rehabilitation of victims.

In recognition of his work, Mr. Elam was among a very select set of national experts invited by the Bureau of Justice Affairs to participate in a focus group intended to develop a new model for the government to combat human trafficking.

2010 Director’s Community Leadership Awards

As the executive director of Project Oz, a youth service agency representing central Illinois, Peter Rankaitis endeavors to keep troubled youth from being sent to out-of-state institutions.

Mr. Rankaitis started Project Oz in 1973 and has worked since then to develop McLean County’s first emergency placement network for youth, as well as street outreach to homeless youth, transitional housing programs, and a youth gang intervention program.

Currently, Mr. Rankaitis remains committed to helping youth work out their problems in the context of their everyday lives. He leads several youth service task forces and service networks and is active in policy development at the local and state levels.

Under his leadership, Project Oz has been recognized at the local, state, and national level. It recently received the Executive Leadership Award of Excellence from the National Network for Youth.