On Friday, May 5, 2023, FBI Director Christopher Wray presented John Waldron with the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA) for his service and commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community in Southern Nevada. John Waldron is the CEO of the Center, the first nationally accredited program of its kind with a focus on issues for victim advocacy. The LGBTQIA+ Center serves as a haven for all. They welcome and celebrate the diversity of our communities and strive to empower all to live authentic lives.

The FBI established the DCLA in 1990 to publicly acknowledge the achievements of those working to make a difference in their communities through the promotion of education and the prevention of crime and violence. The FBI’s 56 field offices select the recipients annually for this honor.

“Like the 38,000 employees of the FBI, you don’t do what you do for fame—and certainly not for fortune. You do it out of kindness, out of compassion for others, out of a hope and dream for safer communities … to leave your towns and cities better places than when you got there,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “And that’s how I’ve defined success here within our organization, too. Success to me is if everyone leaves the FBI a better place than they found it.

The robust partnership between The Center and FBI Las Vegas is largely attributed to the strong relationship with CEO Waldron. He sees the importance of strong partnerships and the impact we have together in the fight to stamp out the recent uptick in hate crimes in Nevada. Both our organizations understand what can happen when hate is allowed to fester and grow. The value of a strong partnership with the staff at the Center has proven invaluable as we tackle issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change.

2022 DCLA recipient John Waldron said “Our partnership with the FBI Las Vegas Field Office is essential for the safety of our community and for strengthening our relationship with law enforcement. Special Agent in Charge, Spencer Evans, and the local FBI team have been committed partners in helping The Center serve as a safe and affirming home for LGBTQIA+ residents in Southern Nevada. I'm genuinely thankful for this wonderful recognition and the opportunity to serve the community together.”

“John Waldron has made it his mission to meet the needs of the community through new and enriched programs, resources, and services at The Center, and in doing so, has helped bridge a gap between law enforcement by helping us cultivate a solid partnership with the LGBTQIA+ community,” said FBI Las Vegas Special Agent in Charge Spencer Evans.