FBI Cleveland
Public Affairs Officer Susan Licate
April 20, 2015

Blaine Griffin to Receive the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award in Washington, D.C.

On Friday, May 1, 2015, Executive Director of the City of Cleveland Community Relations Board Blaine Griffin will receive the prestigious FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award. Mr. Griffin has committed himself to improving the city of Cleveland through so many avenues.

Mr. Griffin leads a staff and appointed board to enhance cross-cultural relationships; assists in guiding communications between law enforcement and the community; takes an active role in situations involving allegations of possible civil rights violations; and implements violence prevention and intervention strategies for at risk youth and young adults.

Mr. Griffin also is very active in service organizations and a volunteer for organizations that improve the community. He has managed programs through a family center, helped teens transition from childhood to adulthood, and led re-entry efforts and facilitated necessary support services to assist violent offenders transitioning from correctional facilities back into the community.

Mr. Griffin works closely with the city of Cleveland Division of Police and other law enforcement agencies to improve police/community relations. He is a graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy and is a board member for A Partnership for a Safer Cleveland.

The Director’s Community Leadership Award, presented by the Director of the FBI, James Comey, was formally created in 1990 as a way to honor individuals and organizations for their efforts in combating crime, terrorism, drugs, and violence in America. Visit the FBI website at www.fbi.gov for details on the people and organizations who have most recently been recognized around the country for their service above and beyond the call of duty to help keep America and its kids safe. Press photos will be uploaded to the website by 6 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2015.

Blaine Griffin joins the ranks of recent Cleveland winners: Yvonne Pointer; Fred Szabo; Jimmy Malone; the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center; and Toledo’s Second Chance organization, both of which partner with the FBI to care for victims of crimes in Northern Ohio.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen Anthony said, “For 25 years, the FBI has recognized outstanding individuals in the community that aren’t just community members; they are community partners. Blaine Griffin is one of those critical partners cultivating relationships throughout the Cleveland community.”

“The tireless work that Director Blaine Griffin and the Community Relations Board are a direct reflection of the commitment and dedication he brings to the City of Cleveland. Because of his leadership, vision, and energy the Community Relations program of Cleveland has a rippling effect that reaches to the Nation’s Capital,” said Frank G. Jackson, City of Cleveland Mayor.

For any questions regarding the FBI’s Community Outreach Program, visit www.fbi.gov or contact Cleveland FBI’s Acting Community Outreach Specialist Sarah Cahill at 216-522-1400.

For any questions regarding this press release, please contact SA Vicki D. Anderson at 216-522-1400 or Vicki.anderson@ic.fbi.gov.