ASSOCIATE Magazine FBINAA Q3-2024

NAA: President Petersen, congratulations on your appointment to the presidency of the FBINAA. Can you share with our members the journey that has led you to this position? CP: I was fortunate to be selected to attend NA Session 245 in 2011 by my former Chief, Alan Weatherford. He expressed the importance of becoming active in the Mississippi Chapter and the National Association. After graduating from the National Academy, I attended my first chapter conference, and I was welcomed with open arms. I felt like I was a part of the family. My wife at the time, Anne, had many challenges with her health due to a failing heart. She was in the transplant program at Ochsner Hospital for years, eventually ending up on the transplant list. The Mississippi Chapter Board learned of this and pledged their support. For the next few years when Anne was ill, my chapter was there for us. When her transplant was imminent, my chapter raised money for us. When her transplant was cancelled due to complications, my chapter was there for support. When Anne passed away, my chapter was there and grieved with me as well. Following her death, I ran for the Mississippi Chapter Board and my speech was simple, “Please allow me to serve our members as our chapter and its members have served me.” I was elected, and I was honored to serve the members of the Mississippi Chapter. When I remarried, my chapter was by our side to celebrate with Michelle and me. When there was an opening on the National Board, I saw this as a way to give back and further serve the Association. I was humbled and honored to be selected to serve on the National Board. Being sworn in as your Association President is one of the great moments in my life. This Association has given me so much. I can never give back as much as it has given to me. NAA: During your tenure on the National Board, what stands out as the Association's most significant achievement? CP: As I look back, the fact that our Association successfully navigated the pandemic is significant. I joined the board on the tail end of the pandemic. I am so impressed with the leadership of our National Board and the National Office Team in how they continued to serve our members during the most challenging of times. Another significant achievement was the fulfilling of a long term goal to replace our antiquated Association Management Software (AMS). We have successfully implemented the new AMS which brings many new features and capabilities that will better serve our members. Lastly, I was honored to attend the LAC Chapter conference in Lima, Peru. It was their first full conference since the pandemic. Chapter President Julio Bernal and the chapter board did an MEET YOUR NEW FBINAA PRESIDENT CRAIG PETERSEN

amazing job on the conference. The training was excellent, and we were able to experience some of the local sights and cuisine during our networking events. I look forward to their conference next year.

NAA: What are you hoping to bring to the FBINAA as president?

CP: My leadership style has always been one that fosters collaboration and cooperation. Our members are passionate about this Association, who have wonderful ideas on how to move the Association forward. I want to provide an environment where feedback is welcomed, and ideas can flourish.

NAA: What stand out as the most significant challenges and potential areas for growth for the FBINAA?

CP: Our most significant challenge lies in member retention. Over time, we have diligently worked towards increasing retention, and I commend both our National Team and Chapters for their continuous efforts. Unlike other associations, we cannot simply boost membership through outreach within the law enforcement community. Our Association is distinctive in that membership requires earning a place through the National Academy program, an experience shared among us. Therefore, our focus is on retaining members post-graduation. We must consistently analyze why some members opt not to continue with the FBINAA and remain proactive in identifying new benefits that will resonate with our members. As for growth, I see our training programs as an area where we can grow tremendously in the years ahead. Our Director of Education and Training, Tony Bailey, and our Training Committee, have some wonderful ideas and a vision for the future. Working together with our Executive Director, Jeff McCormick, and the National Team, I’m excited to see what the future brings for the Association. NAA: What strategies might you implement to foster member participation with our association? CP: We must continually look for ways to get new members involved after graduation. Member engagement starts at the academy with the National Office. Member retention truly begins at the chapter level. Some chapters have had success doing the following: • Reaching out to new members while in session at the National Academy. The National Office Team can put you in contact. • Including our new members in their conferences and activities before they attend the National Academy. This gives them an opportunity to see how special this association really is. • Assigning mentors to make the new members feel welcome and to introduce them to others. • Assigning members to be area representatives. This serves two purposes, (1) to develop future chapter leaders and (2) to allow the hosting of regional events to keep members engaged. • Assigning members to be conference chairs and co-chairs. This also promotes engagement and develops future chapter leaders. • Assigning members to be active on other chapter committees. Each chapter is unique. We can learn from each chapter what they are doing to enhance membership engagement. I would like to work with our chapters to establish a best practices so we can share successful strategies with all the chapters.

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