FBI Albany
Public Affairs Specialist Sarah Ruane
(518) 431-7250
February 15, 2019

FBI Albany Honors Syracuse Resident Susan Case DeMari with Director’s Community Leadership Award

The FBI Albany Division has selected Syracuse resident Susan Case DeMari as the recipient of the 2018 Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA). Launched in 1990, the DCLA highlights individuals and organizations for their work in combating crime, drugs, terrorism, and violence. Each of the FBI’s 56 field offices nominates one honoree who has demonstrated outstanding contributions to their community through service.

On Wednesday February 13, during a special event in Syracuse, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Peter Magnetto and Supervisory Senior Resident Agent  Michael DuBois congratulated and recognized Mrs. DeMari with this honor. FBI Director Christopher Wray will present the 2018 DCLA awards in a ceremony at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C., in May.

Outside of her professional employment, Mrs. DeMari volunteers in a number of capacities to foster and improve relationships between law enforcement agencies and the public. As the security liaison for the Jewish Federation of Central New York, she is the Jewish community’s dedicated point-of-contact for federal, state, county, and collegiate law enforcement agencies in Central New York and has been an invaluable resource in helping to prevent and respond to threats made by individuals or groups targeting the Jewish community.

Mrs. DeMari has been a key liaison of FBI Albany’s civil rights program for many years. Her support and assistance to the FBI have been instrumental, allowing for open lines of communication, solid relationships, and rapid collection of evidence when needed. The security program run by Mrs. DeMari has been recognized by the Anti-Defamation League as a model program of collaboration and communication between law enforcement and ethnic groups.

Mrs. DeMari’s dedication to the creation of a safer, more secure community through meaningful interaction with the FBI and local law enforcement is commendable. Her commitment to establishing and nurturing personal relationships with law enforcement officials well before their professional services may be required is deeply appreciated. The FBI is proud to honor her leadership and service with the designation as the Albany Division 2018 DCLA recipient.