FBI Washington D.C. Citizens Academy Alumni Association
2026 Board Members
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President - Andy SauterAndy Sauter was named president in 2026 after previously serving as the Chapter’s Treasurer. He is a finance executive with expertise in venture-backed start-up and public life science companies. Andy has been most active with religious and service groups in his community and was drawn to enroll in the Citizens Academy to better understand the ways in which law enforcement can build positive relationships with the communities it serves. Andy completed the Citizens Academy at the Washington D.C. Field Office in 2025. |
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Immediate Past President - Cheryl CroweCheryl Crowe was born in England (RAF Mildenhall) alongside her twin brother, where their father was stationed in the Air Force. Cheryl has served as a Real Estate settlement coordinator, a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and Humane Policy Leader . C heryl has worked on both State and Federal levels to develop and advocate for companion animal protection legislation and policy. Cheryl is also a former Miss Delaware USA (2003) and a 2021 graduate of the FBI WFO Citizens Academy. |
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Secretary - Christian LeccaChristian Lecca is a Technology industry executive with over 23 years of experience successfully leading teams, projects innovation and complex solutions in government and commercial markets. He has held leadership and technical roles with the U. S. Government (including the FBI). Christian is currently working in the commercial space as a business owner. He has lived in the DC Metro area since 1995 and loves to be involved and support the community. He is a husband, father, brother, son, professional, soccer-fan, and a social soul. He became a member of the FBI DC CAAA in September 2022, and is honored to serve as Chapter Secretary! |
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Treasurer - Jeff McWhirtJeff is currently the Senior Reliability Manager in the Global Technical Operations group with Digital Realty, a company who owns & operates 300+ data centers world-wide. Born in Washington, DC, he grew up in the MD and VA suburbs and is now a long-time resident of the City of Manassas. Jeff is very active in numerous volunteer roles including Vice Chair of Manassas City's Social Services Advisory board and the Logistics Coordinator for the City's CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) program. His most rewarding role however is being an active member of the NOVA chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) who's mission is to empower abused kids to not be afraid of the world in which they live. As part of BACA, he regularly gives presentations and partners with various area agencies such as DSS, CPS and law enforcement in promoting the BACA mission. Jeff is looking forward to his new role as Treasurer of the Alumni Association! |
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Director - Michael BartlettMr. Bartlett brings over 30 years of experience in Finance, Accounting, Ethics & Compliance, and Information Technology with significant experience in implementing and integrating business systems and strategy leading to significant increases in revenue and profitability. Mr. Bartlett has extensive experience in Federal contracting having been a key player in the development of the Incurred Cost Electronically model for incurred cost submissions, a key collaborator with the US Government during the Commission of Wartime Contracting resulting in numerous Federal contracting changes, and worked at a major Federal contractor that partnered with the US Government that went through extensive audits and discussions leading to changes in almost every DCAA and DCMA audit plan.
Mr. Bartlett is involved in various organizations and activities that support local, state, and Federal law enforcement and first responders and is a graduate of several local, state, and Federal citizens law enforcement and fire & rescue academies. He has previously served on several Boards including representing the American Red Cross as Vice Chair of the Fairfax County Citizen Corp Council. |
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Membership Chair - Aregnaz MalakyanAregnaz is a mental health therapist based in Northern Virginia. She earned her Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Washington, D.C. Campus. Aregnaz graduated from the FBI Citizens Academy in D.C. in 2022. Outside of her professional work, Aregnaz enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends. |
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Special Advisor - Alan JacobsonAlan is a USA Today bestselling author of 15 novels, most featuring the FBI. To ensure the verisimilitude of his stories and characters, Alan has worked with the Bureau for 30 years. He has used this knowledge in the volunteer arena as well, chairing two committees to design security infrastructure and protocols for multiple religious institutions. |
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Communications Chair - Kim GolanskiClass of 2022, FBI Washington Field Office (WFO) Citizens AcademyKim Golanski is a social impact executive with more than 20 years of experience in marketing, communications, public relations, community engagement, and philanthropy. She leads vision and strategy initiatives for a regional Virginia healthcare system specializing in serious illness and end-of-life care, strengthening organizational alignment, building community trust, and advancing a more connected, consumer-driven system of care. Kim’s leadership experience spans nonprofit acute and post-acute healthcare systems with regional and multi-state footprints, as well as the homebuilding, information technology, and manufacturing industries. She is recognized for elevating visibility, building impactful partnerships, amplifying community voices, and advancing initiatives that strengthen workforce pipelines, improve quality of life, and expand access to care. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from George Mason University and a Certificate in Corporate Citizenship Practice from Boston College. |