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F B I N A A . O R G | J U L Y / A U G 2 0 1 9

MEET KEVIN WINGERSON , FBINAA’S NEW PRESIDENT

Associate Magazine: Tell us why you first decided to take a leadership role at the FBINAA and how your involvement with the organization grew?

KW: All Law Enforcement organizations whether, Federal, State or Local have one thing in common, protecting and serving our society. Maintaining our interaction with each other benefits all in the business. It is my opinion, we do an outstanding job, but sometimes we only witness this when emergencies or disasters are upon us. Engaging, educating, and listening to our communities, allowing them to know and understand their Law Enforcement organization so we can know them and understand their needs. After all, we are members of communities. Associate Magazine: What do you think it is about the FBINAA that keeps it so relevant within the law enforcement community? KW: The ability to communicate and readily share information that is relevant in the Law Enforcement communities. Since be- coming a member of the FBINAA, I have determined that commu- nication is a key to our success as an organization. The ability to reach around the country, and even the world, and have a contact streamlines the gathering and passing of information. Associate Magazine: As a membership organization, what is the distinct thing about the FBINAA that makes law enforcement executives want to dedicate and volunteer their time? KW: I have come to realize there is much time dedicated to work- ing within the FBINAA. I am no different from those whom I have followed, currently serving, and the future Board members. We all have a desire to serve the membership and want to make a difference.

KW: After graduating Session 223 in December of 2005, I continued to actively participate within the Texas Chapter. I witnessed how the Texas Chapter held annual conferences, an annual Command College and monthly regional speaker/training lunches. I gained knowledge and increased my network as I attended. Understand- ing the dynamics of hosting training and the importance of net- working, I believed I could be of value to the Texas Chapter. I was elected to the Texas Chapter Board and thoroughly enjoyed the role as a Board as we served the members at the local chapter with hosting training, along with our biggest challenge as an association, maintaining members. The Texas Chapter members approached me and asked if I would accept the challenge and run for the National Board. Since the time I have started serving on the Board, I have received much guidance and wisdom from those whom I have served with and other members where relationships were built while on the Texas Board. What I have taken from all, we listen to our members so decisions and actions are driven toward the betterment of members. KW: I believe my response in Phoenix summed up one initiative that affects all of us. My personal experience of a roommate taking his own life during my Session was my biggest “wake-up” call. The self-destruction of oneself with addictions to alcohol and narcot- ics, and other drugs, including self-medicating and the alarming number of suicides in Law Enforcement needs to be continuously addressed. This not only impacts the individual but those who love them, friends, peers, and associates. This is one area your Board will strive to make a difference. Associate Magazine: As you start your 12-month term, are there some specific initiatives you are planning to pursue?

Associate Magazine: Congratulations on being named President of the FBINAA; it has to be a great honor to be chosen to the lead the organization.

Associate Magazine: How do you see the FBINAA further collaborating with not only federal, state and local agencies but also reaching out to the private sector?

KW: I am truly honored and humbled to be in this position and understand it is a privilege. The commitment of this Board is, and always has been, to represent the FBINAA professionally and to do what is best for our members.

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