On Friday, April 19, 2024, FBI Director Christopher Wray presented Dr. Anthony D. Sandifer with the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA) for his service to the people of Hampton Roads. Dr. Sandifer is a member of the Hampton Roads Committee of 200+ Men Inc., which serves youth to deter them from a life of crime, drug use, and gang activity. He serves as the chair of the education committee for the 200+ Men Inc. organization, and director of its Scholar’s Academy mentoring program.

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. Each year, one person or organization from each of the FBI’s 56 field offices is chosen to receive this prestigious award.

“Our success as both a law enforcement and an intelligence agency hinges on our ability to foster and maintain genuine partnerships with people in all communities,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “People like this year’s Leadership Award recipients not only identify what others need, but they are willing to roll up their sleeves and provide services. They are building bridges and relationships while putting in the work to have hard conversations and find common purpose. They do it out of kindness and compassion with a sincere belief that justice – in its many forms – requires all of us to do the right thing in the right way.”

In addition to Dr. Sandifer’s work with Hampton Roads youth, he also serves as the Vice President of the Hampton Roads Urban League Guild, serves on the Executive Committee of the National Council of Urban League Guild, and was appointed by the Hampton City Council to a four-year term on the Citizens Policy Advisory Group.

“Dr. Sandifer is a pillar of Hampton Roads and has dedicated his life to giving back to the community,” said FBI Norfolk Special Agent in Charge, Brian Dugan. “He demonstrates tireless dedication to seeking solutions to develop youth, raise awareness about issues in our communities, and is a deeply rooted liaison between both local and federal law enforcement and Norfolk’s citizens. I’m so thankful his work can be recognized on such a large scale.”

Director Wray hosted the 2023 DCLA winners in a special ceremony at FBI Headquarters today, emphasizing the importance of community partnerships in keeping our shared communities safe. These partnerships—as exemplified by the breadth of the work by the DCLA recipients—have led to a host of crime prevention programs that protect the most vulnerable in our communities, educate families and businesses about cyber threats, and work to reduce violent crime in our neighborhoods. Learn more about the Director’s Community Leadership Award, the FBI’s general outreach efforts, and the FBI Norfolk Field Office.