FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Matthew DeSarno is pleased to announce the selection of Hillwood, a Perot Company, as the Dallas Division’s recipient of the 2020 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA). SAC DeSarno recognized Ross Perot, Jr. on Thursday, August 19, 2021.

Mr. Perot serves as Chairman of Hillwood, a leading global real estate development company he founded in 1988. Since 2019, Hillwood has been a member of the Dallas Domestic Security Alliance Council (DSAC) which enables public and private sector members to share intelligence regarding threats that may impact U.S. businesses and issues of national security.

Hillwood’s partnership during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic directly supported the FBI Dallas Division’s mission by providing infrastructure and real-time support to host the first virtual Dallas DSAC meeting. The virtual meeting increased awareness of the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape as DSAC companies and their subsidiaries moved to teleworking environments. The virtual session also allowed the FBI to describe Cyber Division’s role in thwarting criminal and nation state actors. Hillwood’s continual support has created strong liaison partnerships throughout DSAC and with other law enforcement professionals.

SAC DeSarno said, “Mr. Perot and the entire Hillwood team exemplify leadership through service in the North Texas Region and beyond. Hillwood’s commitment to supporting law enforcement, and their partnership with the FBI makes them the Dallas recipient of the 2020 Director’s Community Leadership Award.”

The Director’s Community Leadership Award was formally created in 1990 to honor individuals and organizations for their efforts in combating crime, terrorism, drugs, and violence in America. Recipients of this award are recognized for their service above and beyond the call of duty to help keep America and its residents safe and are selected based on nominations from each of the FBI’s 56 field offices.

The award is given annually on behalf of FBI Director Christopher Wray and for the second year, a formal ceremony in Washington, D.C., was held virtually. Hillwood and recipients from across the country were honored by FBI executive management.

For additional information on the DCLA and this prestigious award, please visit https://www.fbi.gov/about/community-outreach/dcla.