FBI San Antonio
FBI San Antonio Press Office
SA-MEDIA@ic.fbi.gov
April 1, 2016

CyberTexas Foundation to be Awarded FBI Director’s 2015 Community Leadership Award

Christopher Combs, special agent in charge (SAC) of the San Antonio Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, is pleased to announce that CyberTexas Foundation was selected as a recipient of the Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA) for 2015.

A local certificate will be presented Saturday, April 2, 2016, to CyberTexas Foundation Director Chris Cook during the annual San Antonio Mayor’s Cyber Cup Luncheon at the Joe Freeman Coliseum. Later this month, Executive Director Joseph H. Sanchez, Jr. will attend a formal ceremony in Washington, D.C., where FBI Director James B. Comey will present him with a formal award.

Since 1990, the FBI, through its Community Outreach Program, has recognized the achievements of individuals or organizations for their supportive efforts in the areas of crime, terrorism, drugs, gangs, or violence prevention or education by presenting the DCLA. Every year, FBI field offices select a community partner to receive the prestigious award.

Mr. Sanchez and Mr. Cook, have displayed incredible leadership and dedication as co-founders of the San Antonio CyberPatriot Center of Excellence. In addition to supporting the retention, recruitment, and growth of cyber security businesses, the non-profit has helped establish and expand world class cyber security academic programs and increased cyber security awareness and preparedness in Texas.

CyberPatriot is an international program formed by the U.S. Air Force Association that is focused on youth Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education and includes a cyber defense competition. In 2010, San Antonio was the second in the nation to be recognized as a CyberPatriot Center of Excellence. Through the foundation, it serves and advances the educational needs of the community from elementary through the university level. CyberTexas has enjoyed unprecedented success and participation in cyber defense competition, fielding teams that have enjoyed the highest rankings in the nation. San Antonio has the most CyberPatriot teams in the nation and continues to grow. While 21 teams competed in the 2010-2011 season, 198 teams have registered for this current season. CyberTexas has also cultivated a greater diversity of participants as well; more than 50 percent are Hispanic and 20 percent are female.

Along with partners from cyber related businesses and academic institutions, as well as leadership from the city of San Antonio and the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, San Antonio FBI is proud to be involved in the extraordinary efforts of CyberTexas. FBI cyber agents and support professionals provide mentoring and guidance to the San Antonio teams. These partners also prepare San Antonio teams for success through mentoring and by sponsoring and hosting CyberPatriot clinics.

The FBI is pleased to honor CyberTexas for its passionate leadership in enhancing cyber security and educating and inspiring our youth.