Associate Jan/Feb 2014

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J A N 2 0 1 4 F E B
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J A N 2 0 1 4 F E B
As we begin another New Year, I am certain 2014 will be one full
of new accomplishments, adventures and endeavors. I want you
to know how deeply honored and privileged I feel to serve as President
to the members of our great Association. The FBI National Academy
Associates is truly the strongest law enforcement network in the world
and each of us can attest to the many examples of how this is true. Each
one of us holds a special benefit, in that we can communicate by “phone
calling/Skyping/emailing/snail-mailing/texting/instant messaging/ FBINAA
Mobile Messaging” a classmate or another NA graduate who will drop
everything to help a fellow graduate whether it is for assistance on a law
enforcement case, requests for information or good advice on a vacation
spot or homeownership. How many other groups/affiliations can offer
such a sacred connection?
The 2014 Executive Board and Executive Director Greg Cappetta
are anxious to work with the newly appointed FBI Director James Comey.
A few of our Board members had the privilege of meeting with Mr.
Comey during the 254th Session Graduation and they were enthusiastic
by the Director’s passion and dedication to the FBINAA. We surely look
forward to Director Comey’s exceptional leadership, as well as a continued
collaborative partnership with all members throughout the FBI.
In addition, there will be a few new beginnings this year... Chaplain
Dan Bateman will take over the reigns from Chaplain Emeritus Billy
Gibson. Fortunately, Dan was able to shadow Billy in 2013 so he is ready
and able to hit the ground running. We welcome Dan in his new role,
and of course, we bid a fond farewell to our dear friend, Billy, who we
hope will be able to spend more time traveling the world with his bride,
Phyllis . We also wish our good friend, Diane Scanga, much success as
she graciously steps down from the Executive Board this year. I will have
treasured memories of Diane and Billy as we move forward, as a result
of their outstanding leadership abilities and dedication to the FBINAA.
I am also very humbled to all the Past Presidents who have served this
remarkable Association. Their foresight, distinction and hard work have
paved the way for those of us who continue to serve the FBINAA. I am
grateful to all of the Past Presidents who are too many to mention, but
know that you are truly respected and appreciated. And last but not
certainly least, we welcome Joe Hellebrand , as he joins the Executive
Board as the newly elected Section III Representative. We look forward
to your assistance and vision along your journey on the Board.
Our membership is the livelihood of our organization. As Chair
of the Membership/Member Services Committee for the past few
years, I can attest how vital and important each and every member
is to the FBINAA, and to the overall mission of the law enforcement
profession. Knowledge, Courage and Integrity are the very tenets that
we breathe before, and especially after, our graduation from the FBI
Academy grounds in Quantico, Virginia. Often times we are reminded
that you cannot just “join” our Association; you must have earned it
by your selection, participation and graduation from the FBI National
Academy program. As fortunate as we have been to attend and con-
tinue to stay active with the FBINAA, there are countless numbers of
law enforcement executives who have not had the chance to attend.
For many reasons, we owe it to the FBI, our departments and our com-
by President Laurie Cahill
Another New Beginning:
munities to strengthen our bond by staying active in the FBINAA. To
that effort, your Executive Board and Executive Office Staff continue
to explore ways to increase membership benefits, provide optimum
networking opportunities, while offering quality training to you and
your colleagues. We work hard to demonstrate our commitment to
provide the best value in your membership. With a slight dues increase
that began this year ($10. sworn/active and $5. for retired members),
it is evident that the cost of doing business has increased, in addition
to compensating the hardworking staff that goes above and beyond ev-
eryday for our members. We welcome your comments and suggestions
for ways to make improvements that will strengthen our organization.
Your opinion matters and we would like to know how we can better
serve you and our Association members.
The year ahead will continue with the Executive Board members
and Executive Office Team working alongside our members on various
committees to accomplish the goals of the FBINAA. Those commit-
tees and the work with general members fortify our commitment to
transparency and efficiency. The established committees are: Execu-
tive Office Oversight; Constitution, Bylaws and Policies; Finance; In-
ternational; Member Services; Space Working Group; Public/Private
Partnership; Training; Youth Leadership Program and Past Presidents
Committees. As you can see, a lot of hard work goes into accomplish-
ing the goals of the various Committees to carry out the many im-
portant initiatives of the Association. Please consider working on one
of these committees if a call for participation is offered. Each Board
member will Chair one or more committees and they may ask for as-
sistance as their committees are reestablished in the year ahead. I would
also be remiss if I did not acknowledge the hard work of our dedicated
Chapter Officers. Our Executive Board is extremely grateful to the
forty-eight Chapters whose Executive Board Officers provide countless
volunteer hours to make certain that the Chapters provide training and
benefits to our members on a local level.
As your President this year, I am optimistic that WE, together
with the hard work of our Executive Board, Executive Director, Execu-
tive Office Team, along with the 48 Chapters’ Executive Boards, will
accomplish the following goals:
1) Increase Membership – This has been my #1 primary goal each
and every year since joining the New Jersey Chapter Board and
later on the Association’s Executive Board. Just think if each
ASSOCIATION PERSPECTIVE
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member brought in only one new member that has fallen off,
how much stronger the FBINAA can be! Concentrate on
contacting recent graduates to make them feel welcome to
attend Chapter events to continue the “NA Experience”.
2) Add/Increase Member Benefits – I am calling on you, our
Association members, to advise us of any company, corporation
or group, etc. that can improve the benefits we currently have
while adding increased value to our quality membership.
3) Present the 50th Annual Training Conference in Philadelphia,
PA – Please plan to attend the conference which will be held
from July 26-29. Opening Ceremonies will take place on
Saturday, July 26th, which is different than previous years.
The conference theme is “One Mission, One Focus, One Family”.
I pledge to you that the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter and
supporting Section IV Chapters are planning an event for you
and your family to remember in the “City of Brotherly Love”.
4) Continue to work with the FBINAA Foundation to remind our
members of the mission that focuses on the needs of our
FBINAA members (in disaster/hardship situations) and
significant training initiatives such as the recent Human
Trafficking Summit held in Ottawa, Canada.
5) Promote the FBINAA partnership with SafeCallNow to
empower fellow law enforcement professionals to seek assistance
when they are in crisis.
6) Lastly and stolen from my predecessor and good friend, Past
President Doug Muldoon , let’s make our FBINAA Chapter
events learning opportunities while enjoying our camaraderie.
The FBINAA is truly a family... deep in spirit, energy and determination
achieved from our common experiences we developed while training
at the FBI Academy. Can you play a part to help us achieve these and
other goals? Together, I know our organization can grow and accomplish
great things…I hope you will be an active part in our positive progress.
Wishing you all the very best for a productive and enjoyable year ahead.
Please stay safe and always remember to “Reach for the stars!”
All the Best,
Laurie Cahill
2014 President
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