ASSOCIATE Magazine FBINAA Q2-2024

ASSOCIATION PERSPECTIVE

Scott Rhoad

A s the seasons change from winter to spring and summer, we also move into one of my favorite seasons: conference season. As chapters begin hosting their training conferences, I am reminded of the mission of the FBINAA to impact communi ties by providing and promoting law enforcement leadership through training and networking. These two very important fac ets of our training conferences are sometimes taken for granted. Our chapters offer the very best speakers on a large spectrum of topics. Conference attendees have the opportunity to hear top-tier speakers like our very own Paul Butler . Having the op portunity to learn from individuals directly involved in major cases or events that have shaped our society today is a tremen dous benefit of attending chapter conferences. The other aspect of training conferences is the opportunity to network with your peers. We have all heard the saying, “The time to meet someone for the first time isn’t in a command post.” Being a part of your chapter and participating (not just attending) in their training conference is one of the best ways to build relationships for your professional and personal life. There are other opportunities to receive top-notch training besides the chapter training conferences. This year’s FBINAA National Annual Training Conference is being hosted by the Kansas/Western Missouri chapter in Kansas City, Mo. Your national training committee, composed of representatives from each section and chaired by 2nd Vice President Bill Carbone , has chosen experts on current topics as speakers for this year’s conference. With 24 breakout sessions and six keynote speakers, there are plenty of options for everyone to find training sessions that will interest them. In addition, there will be plenty of opportunities for net working and building relationships. Please consider using this conference to show your family what the FBINAA is all about. There are plenty of family-friendly entertainment options for them while you are in training sessions. With a shopping mall, Legoland, and a small aquarium attached to the hotel and the National WWI Museum and historic Union Station within a block, families have lots of options to keep busy. Also, there will be a Family Room hosted by the Kansas/Western Missouri chapter and tourist trips that may interest them. Science City will be open on FBINAA Night for everyone to enjoy. Check out the con ference website for even more options. While we are talking about family and the FBINAA, I want to share a personal story from about a month ago. Recently, my youngest daughter (who is now 26 years old) was moving into a new residence in Boise, Idaho when we met a local resident in the parking lot. As we chatted, he noticed the NA logo on my jacket. He asked if I was a graduate and what session I was in because his father was also a graduate. Quick shout-out to Michael Whitney from the Washington chapter. As we finished the conversation my daughter jokingly remarked that she can’t go anywhere that the NAA can’t reach. This is such a true state ment, and we are all a part of the network and family. My family has been going to the FBINAA NATC since 2008 (Milwaukee) and have made many friends along the way. The NAA is indeed a fam ily with an extended family.

As we move this association forward, we will maintain our high standards of training and develop new programs to keep our training topics current. Our Executive Director Jeff McCormick , along with Director of Training and Education Tony Bailey , and our national training committee will look at current programs and how we can better serve our law enforcement community and our retired members. I look forward to seeing many of you at chapter conferences and plan to make it to as many as possible. This is my last article for the Associate magazine as your FBINAA president and I want to take this opportunity to thank you for the opportunity to serve you. This has been a great experience and I highly encourage everyone to take advantage of the opportunity to serve on your chapter executive board as well as the National Board. As you go through life, keep in mind that being happy is a way to travel, not a destination.

Joining you in Service,

Scott Rhoad FBINAA President FBINA 217

4 FBINAA.ORG | Q2 2024