FBI Salt Lake City
Press Office
February 12, 2020

FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award Recipient Shannon Cox

Special Agent in Charge Paul Haertel is pleased to announce Shannon Cox as the recipient of the 2019 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA) for the Salt Lake City Division. Cox is the executive director of Journey of Hope (JOH), a non-profit organization that aims to empower women and girls at risk for incarceration and further harm, such as homelessness, trafficking, and domestic violence.

The Director’s Community Leadership Award recognizes community leaders and organizations across the country for their efforts to prevent crime and terrorism in America.

In 2018, JOH served more than 300 women and their families. Many of them received assistance in finding low-income housing. More than a dozen others, who had fled domestic violence situations, were placed in emergency shelters with trauma response services. Last year, JOH was on track to serve more than 250 women and their families. Other programs aim to help them become independent and productive members of society.

Cox, who previously had a career in law enforcement and was a former member of the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force, understands how critical services and resources are to women in the criminal justice system. Her passion for serving the underserved aligns with the FBI’s mission of prevention and community engagement.

The FBI Salt Lake City Division will host a press conference to honor Shannon Cox on Thursday, February 13, 2020, at 1 p.m. at its office, 5425 West Amelia Earhart Drive. She will also join DCLA recipients selected by other FBI field offices across the nation at an awards ceremony to be held in Washington, D.C., on May 1, 2020, where she will be personally recognized and honored by FBI Director Christopher Wray.