FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Richard T. Thornton announces the awarding of the 2015 Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA) to Krista Heeren-Graber, executive director of the South Dakota Network Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault (Network), at a ceremony at 1704 South Cleveland Avenue, #5, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on February 5, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. Krista is being honored for her commitment to reducing the instances of family violence and sexual assault through her collaboration with community and law enforcement partners.

The DCLA is an award presented annually by each of the FBI’s 56 field offices across the country. The award was created in 1990 as a means for the FBI to honor individuals and organizations for their efforts in improving the lives of the most vulnerable within their communities.

For nearly three decades, Krista has pursued a vision of a multi-disciplined response to violence against women and children. Her personal resiliency, fund raising efforts, and grant writing abilities have enabled the Network to expand services for Native Americans and rural populations. Krista has inspired sensitivity and compassion in making needed services for victims of family violence and sexual assault readily available across South Dakota.

Left to right: South Dakota Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Koliner, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Robert Perry, Victim Specialist Gayle Scott, DCLA Recipient Krista Heeren-Graber, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Matthew Mohr, and Community Outreach Specialist Joan Froehle

Special Agent in Charge Thornton made the following observation regarding Krista and the DCLA: “Krista has been a tireless advocate for victims of family violence and sexual assault and has been a leader in this regard in South Dakota for many years. The Director’s Community Leadership Award serves as a gesture of appreciation for her work in this area.”

On April 15, 2016, FBI Director James B. Comey will personally present the award to Krista at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., which honors all 56 award recipients from across the country.