ASSOCIATE Magazine FBINAA Q1-2026

NATIONAL ACADEMY UPDATE

FBINAA.ORG | Q1 2026

Rebecca Vassilakos Unit Chief

T he faculty and staff of the National Academy remain focused on our mission to provide senior law enforcement leaders with transformative developmental opportunities that build partnerships and promote excellence in policing world wide. As such, we have been hard at work to bring several new and exciting opportunities to the program in 2026. • High-Performance Training Center: After much anticipation, we are proud to announce our High-Performance Training Center is now open! The FBI understands to be a high-performing lead er, one must train for high performance. This center was built to support the development of FBI employees and the students of the National Academy. The facility expands the program’s physical training options and prioritizes health, wellness, and recovery. At 38,000 square feet, the center sits adjacent to the track and features: • Ample natural light throughout the entire building • A two-story lobby area • A large performance area including strength and power metabolic training zones with weight racks, rotatory cable pulley machines, kettlebells, dumbbells, a 5,000 square-foot turfed agility training area, curved treadmills, and air bikes • An elevated two-lane indoor track (13.6 laps per mile) • A one-story-tall, turfed ramp, with standard stairs and 18" stair s • A wellness coaching suite and an athletic training suite • Three multi-purpose classrooms to accommodate up to 150 students • A micromart for post-workout fueling and recovery • Wicked Wellness Warrior Challenge: To complement the High-Performance Training Center and the National Academy’s wellness courses, subject-matter experts crafted an optional seven-week challenge for students to complete while at the National Academy to nurture the wicked wellness warrior within. Students learn about the five wellness domains—social, physical, spiritual, emotional, and environmental—and are given weekly wellness habit menus. Working individually or in a pod with oth ers, students select two habits weekly, with each week building successively. By the end of the challenge, students will have 14 well-practiced habits across multiple domains of wellness. • Canvas: In partnership with the University of Virginia, the Na tional Academy is proud to introduce Canvas to the program. Can vas is a digital learning management system designed to elevate the student experience by intuitively organizing learning content and communications. Upon arrival at the National Academy, stu dents can now download the Canvas app or log in to the Canvas portal online for a one-stop hub of all class information, to include the session schedule, announcements, contact information, and course materials. Students can also use Canvas to communicate with their instructors, submit homework, and receive their grades. This user-friendly, streamlined system will ensure all students have the information they need to be successful.

• National Academy Family and Friends Open House: Begin ning with Session 295 in 2025, the FBI Academy now opens its doors to friends and family of National Academy students. This highly lauded open house event takes place during each gradu ation week and allows guests to tour FBI Academy grounds and meet our outstanding NA instructors. I could not be prouder of the teamwork, perseverance, and commitment of everyone involved in the National Academy program to make these exciting opportunities a reality for our students.

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These figures highlight the strong engagement from mem bers, guests, and industry partners, and they underscore the financial viability of the regional partnership model.

About the Author: Tim Gately , is a retired Chief of Police and graduate of FBI National Academy Session 261. His career began with the Washington State Patrol and progressed through leadership roles in the Redmond, W A and Des Moines, W A Police Departments. He currently serves as a Solution Architect for Versaterm Public Safety, supporting IAPro and a broad suite of public-safety software solutions. He also serves as President of the FBINAA Washington Chapter and as the National Coordinator for the FBINAA Youth Leadership Program. Tim spent 10 years as a course designer and principal instructor for the Criminal

Justice Program at City University of Seattle. As a leadership consultant, he focuses on strategy, culture, and organizational transformation. A national speaker and instructor, he is committed to developing future leaders and supporting youth leadership initiatives.

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