2024 FBI PHOENIX CAAA Board of Directors
Allyn R. Wright, President
Graduated Citizens Academy Class of 2020
Allyn R. Wright has spent 35+ years in different levels of Fire, Safety and Security. His career began in New Haven, CT. assigned to several nationwide task forces where he received numerous awards and honors. During his tenure in the Fire Service, he rose to the rank as a EMT, Fire Inspector, Fire Investigator, Captain of the Fire Investigation Unit, Assistant Chief and Chief. He received his training and certification from the Connecticut State Police/State Fire Marshal’s Office, the National Fire Academy (FEMA) and the Federal Law Enforcement Center/US Treasury Dept. (ATF).
Mr. Wright was appointed to the Arson/Fraud Task Force and the Presidential Detail for the U.S. Secret Service South Central Region of Connecticut. As well with the FBI/Arson Task Force-New Haven dealing with Church Bombings. He is also an Adjunct Professor for the Connecticut Criminal Law Foundation, Inc. New Haven Police Academy.
Since retiring from the Fire Service, he has focused all of his experience and expertise in the field of Fire, Safety and Security Management. Mr. Wright is a Private Investigator licensed in the State of New York and is employed with Intelligence Options, LLC. New York, N.Y. He is also a 2020 graduate of the FBI Phoenix Citizens Academy and former Director of Community Outreach for the FBI Phoenix Citizens Academy Alumni Association. Currently he is the President of the FBI Phoenix Citizens Academy Alumni Association.
Immediate Past President
Dale Adams, Vice President
Graduated Citizens Academy Class of 2020
dadams@desertdiamondarena.com
Working within the venue management and live event touring industry for over the past 40 years, Dale Adams has crafted one of the most unique and diverse industry portfolios around. Currently, Adams is the General Manager of the Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona while continuing to oversee all non-concert bookings and new product event development for ASM Global.
Dale began his career in the multi-venue Lakeland Center complex in Lakeland, Florida. He also held the title of Vice President and General Manager for such venues as the Pontchartrain Center (Kenner, LA) and the University of Massachusetts, Mullins Center (Amherst, MA). Later he opened the18,000 seat Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan, Puerto Rico and then the 19,000 seat Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Dale was also employed by Feld Entertainment as a Disney On Ice touring General Manager overseeing various ice show tours worldwide. In addition, Dale held a key role for Feld as the Director of North American Routing & Tours overseeing all touring and business operations for as many as 15 separate touring entities, including both Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus and Disney On Ice.
Dale’s background also consists of experience as the lead Project Development Manager and Vice President for Leisure Management International, domestic and international, public assembly facility consulting and, in a separate stint, as the Senior Vice President of Booking for Premier Exhibitions.
Dale is a past President of Glendale Rotary, an Honorary Commander at Luke AFB, and a recent graduate of the Citizens Academy. Dale also taught classes as an adjunct professor at the University of Massachusetts and, additionally, as an instructor and Regent at the IAVM School of Venue Management. Adams is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, with a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management (1980).
Cary Peskin, Vice President Operations
Graduated Citizens Academy Class of 2018
For more than 30 years, Cary held senior level positions in the Information Technology (IT) field. His last appointment in the Public Sector was Associate Commissioner and Chief Information Officer for New York City’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), the largest municipal developer in the United States.
Prior to joining HPD, Cary held a number of senior management IT positions with the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority including Director of Surface Transit Systems with the New York City Transit; Chief Information Officer for Long Island Bus; and, Director of Technical Services and Support for the MTA Bridges and Tunnels where he was the senior member of the technical team responsible for the design and implementation of E-ZPass, the largest electronic toll collection system world-wide.
Cary was the recipient of New York City’s Excellence in Technology Award for the best City-wide application. In addition, he held the position of Vice Chairperson of New York City’s Municipal Data Processing Council from 2004 – 2007; an organization comprised of more than 50 New York City CIOs.
Since retirement, Cary has been an Adjunct Professor sharing his expertise and IT knowledge with students at Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC). In 2012, he received the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty award. Cary earned an AA degree, BBA Degree in Accounting and Finance, and coursework leading to an MBA. Over the years Cary has taught and authored a number of Computer Science/Cybersecurity courses at EMCC.
Cary is an IRS certified tax preparer, tax preparation instructor, and site coordinator for VITA/TCE (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance/Tax Counseling for the Elderly).
Richard (Rick) Shaw, General Counsel
Rick has served as the GM of Cowtown Range since March of 2016 and GM of GPS Defense Sniper school since December of 2018. Rick has over 20 years experience in real estate acquisition, development, leasing and zoning. Rick practiced law for 8 years in Arizona, North Carolina, and Louisiana in the areas of criminal law, real estate, and business. Rick served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 20 years as an Artillery Officer and Judge Advocate and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He holds a BA degree in Business Administration and History and a Juris Doctor degree.
Sue Ann Scott, Treasurer
Graduated Citizens Academy Class of 2023
Sue Ann Scott recently retired from Morgan Stanley as a Certified Investment Analyst. At Morgan Stanley she was also a CFP and had her Estate Planning Consultant through the American College. Steve and Sue Ann manage a Foundation for animal rescue and they both volunteer for the United States Marshals Posse. Previously under the Sheriff, both Steve and Sue Ann were active in the MCSO Advisory Posse. They are collectors of Western Art and have a love for travel.
Ralph Schorbach, Director Of Technology
Graduated Citizens Academy Class of 2024
Ralph Schorbach is responsible for all technology at Translational Drug Development, a cancer research
facility in Scottsdale, Arizona. He is a seasoned systems engineer with a strong focus on technology.
Ralph has over 40 years of experience with mid-scale system installations and operations. His work
includes decades of experience in IT, with 18 years at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds, where he was
responsible for all aspects of technology for the active year-round facility.
This role included a wide variety of unique event settings on the 543-acre venue, including 325,000
square feet of indoor exhibit space, satellite wagering (horses), which has an attached sports bar that
touts 108 large screens and projection systems including a 9x16 foot video wall, an NHRA drag strip, the
NHRA Motor Sports Museum, the Millard Sheets Center for the Arts, an on-site Sheraton (Fairplex) hotel
and conference center, a 10,000 seat grandstand for concerts and large events, and a total 12 acres of
carnival grounds.
Ralph has a Bachelor of Science in computer science from California Polytechnic University.
Laura Kain, Director Of Compliance
Graduated Citizens Academy Class of 2014
Laura Kain brings over 17 years of extensive experience in Industrial Security, Compliance Management, IT, and Risk Management to her role with a distinguished career that spans both corporate and military sectors. Laura is recognized for her ability to lead complex compliance initiatives and drive strategic transformation across large-scale organizations. Currently serving as a Lead Compliance Risk Manager at USAA, Laura provides independent oversight and guidance on technology capabilities, ensuring alignment with stringent regulatory standards. Her expertise in Agile and Waterfall methodologies, coupled with her strong background in risk management and strategic planning, has enabled her to lead critical compliance and technology risk initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and safeguard organizational integrity.
Prior to her tenure at USAA, Laura played a pivotal role in designing and implementing a robust security and information protection framework for a multi-billion-dollar data center provider. During her six years with Lockheed Martin, she managed the execution of national industrial security standards, conducted enterprise-level audits, and served as the Crisis Management and Business Continuity liaison for corporate facilities across 25 states.
In addition to her corporate accomplishments, Laura is a Senior Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force Reserve, where she has served for over 19 years. In her current role as First Sergeant for the 944th Civil Engineering Squadron at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, Laura is responsible for the readiness, health, morale, and welfare of over 150 personnel. Her leadership in this capacity ensures that the unit maintains a mission-ready force capable of supporting national security objectives.
Laura holds a Master of Science in Accounting, a Master of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, and a Bachelor of Arts in Intelligence Studies. She is also pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics and is a candidate for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. Laura is passionate about advocating for employees, fostering leadership growth, and promoting compliance awareness across all levels of an organization.
Aaron Ling, Director Membership & Alumni Relations
Graduated Citizens Academy Class of 2011
Aaron is an experienced Senior Program Manager with over 15 years of experience in the defense and aerospace industries. He has a mechanical engineering degree from Arizona State University and an Executive MBA from the Quantic School of Business, as well as several professional certifications including a PMP and CSM. In addition to his professional work, Aaron is a licensed real estate agent. Aaron is also dedicated to community service and has volunteered with various organizations including the Make A Wish Foundation, tat Humanity, and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Melissa Dus, Director Membership & Alumni Relations
Graduated Citizens Academy Class of 2020
Melissa Dus is an Arizona native who attended Arizona State University and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.A. in Communication. Ms. Dus participated in the Arizona Legislative Internship program and worked for the Arizona Secretary of State’s office. She went on to work as a Secretary of State staff member in the Elections Division and handled a variety of duties in that role including processing statutorily required elections, lobbyist and petition documents. Melissa went on to work as an Advance to Governor Jan Brewer staffing her at numerous events throughout the state and in Mexico. She returned to the Arizona State Legislature working with the respected government relations firm, Public Policy Partners, with numerous clients such as Cox Communications and the Arizona Technology Council. Melissa then transitioned to the private sector working in community relations for a microwave technology company. Currently, Ms. Dus is an Enterprise Senior Account Executive for Cox Business and has worked with the company for over eight years. She supports her government customers including the FBI, education, and non-profit and customers while they assess their complex telecom needs and assists them in selecting the best solution to meet their unique requirements. Melissa is also a licensed Arizona realtor, a notary public and canine foster parent for local dog shelters. She enjoys staying active outdoors, volunteering in the community, attending ASU football games, traveling with her husband, enjoying local cuisine and hosting friends and family for holidays.
Steve Scott, Director Membership & Alumni Relations
Graduated Citizens Academy Class of 2015
Steve graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a degree in Business Administration. He also achieved the designations of Certified Financial Planner from the College of Financial Planning and a Certified Investment Analyst from Wharton School of Executive Education.
Beth McRae, Director of Communications
Graduated Citizens Academy Class of 2013
Beth McRae oversees The McRae Agency as CEO with 30-plus years in the public relations, social media and marketing industries. She specializes in strategic planning; news media, community and public relations; social media and online relations; and marketing communications in various industries, including retail, franchises, consumer products, and business-to-business industries.
She has worked with a variety of clients, including Google, Nextel/Sprint, Sunny Delight, Red Bull, CBRE, Piper Jaffray, Z Gallerie, Skanska and Cushman & Wakefield, including franchises such as Massage Envy and The Joint. Beth has received more than 45 awards for her public relations and marketing campaigns, including the Bank of America Enterprise Award.
Beth is a graduate of Valley Leadership and a member of the Junior League. She was named a 2011 Trendsetter for lifetime achievement in civic and charitable contributions. She has served on boards ranging from the Arizona Humane Society and HomeBase Youth Services, to the American Heart Association and American Cancer Society. She is on the boards of Barry and Peggy Goldwater Foundation, JUMP, Instant Signature, The EAT Community and NuCure Naturals. She has previously been appointed to the Governor’s Commission to Prevent Violence Against Women and is a founder of Las Palomas, a women’s group that has raised over $1 million for women's and children's charities. She is an editor/writer at Women of Wisdom Magazine.
Beth earned a Bachelor of Science in journalism, with an emphasis in public relations and advertising, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in marketing from Texas Christian University where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma and Delta Sigma Pi. She received a master's degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix.
Richard Shaw, Director of Donations/Sponsorship
Graduated Citizens Academy Class of 1995
Richard Shaw has a diversified, international business experiences across several industries, including retail, most types of real estate, finance, privatization, marina development, entertainment property, consulting, and related legal work. Consulting experience includes US and foreign privatization, corporate governance, and training Former Soviet Union business consultants for Harvard University/USAID. Experience includes complex business and public policy problem solving inside challenging legal, business, and political environments. Business focus has been founding or co-founding several startup companies, with substantial international and 3rd world experience.
Business experience includes 5 million square feet of retail property development, mortgage finance and real estate consulting. Co-founder of Shooters World, Phoenix, one of the largest private indoor shooting ranges in the US, Owner, Cowtown Range, a private shooting facility that provides training for US Special forces, Navy SEAL teams, and a large number of federal and state police agencies. Co-owner, Rock Springs Café, a large resteraunt, bakery & entertainment venue near Anthem, on I-17. Other international experience includes real estate in Mexico, United Kingdom, and co-founder, Black Sea Investment Group, Kiev, Ukraine.
Legal practice has been limited to dispute resolution and transaction structuring. From May 2009 to December 2020, served as Chairman, Liquidating Trust Board, Mortgages Limited (a one billion-dollar Arizona bankruptcy case) on behalf of Federal Bankruptcy Court.
Jack Nelson, Director of Events: Phoenix
Graduated Citizens Academy Class of 2016
Experienced Vice President AND Board member with a demonstrated history of working in the public safety industry. Skilled in Crisis Management, Government, Train the Trainer Certified, Law Enforcement, and Emergency Management. Strong professional with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) focused in Business Administration, Management and Finance, from University of Missouri-Columbia.
Gary Whitehill, Director of Grants and Fundraising
Graduated Citizens Academy Class of 2022
Gary is a global board director, entrepreneur, investor, and mentor with extensive on-the-ground global innovation and transformation experience across 100+ countries. He has a proven track record of identifying and predicting geostrategic trends and translating them into actionable strategies that empower governments, federal agencies, armed forces, NGOs, local communities, and the private sector.
Gary's expertise extends to boosting corporate governance acumen and understanding how to achieve success from the future's edge. He has been a trusted advisor to mission-driven world leaders, helping them navigate the nexus of disruptive technology, strategic foresight, and emerging global mega-forces.
Academically, Gary completed the Executive Program at Singularity University, attended Corporate Directors College at Stanford Law School, earned the Corporate Director Certificate from Harvard Business School, was a Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executive Fellow, and also completed the HKS Senior Executives in National and International Security program.
Alan Zeichick, Director at Large
Graduated Citizens Academy Class of 2022
Alan Zeichick is an experienced technology entrepreneur, currently employed by Oracle. With a
background in computer science, he has worked across many enterprise platforms and has been
managed several successful startups. He retired to the Phoenix area from San Francisco in 2013,
and then decided that retirement was, well, boring.
In addition to serving the FBIPCAAA, Mr. Zeichick is a member of Infragard, and serves on one
of the Phoenix Police Chief’s Advisory Boards. He is also on the boards of the Jewish Federation
of Greater Phoenix and the Jewish Community Relations Council; he is an Emeritus Member of
the Board of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, a seminary based in Los
Angeles. Before moving out west, Mr. Zeichick was a volunteer firefighter in Maine and New Hampshire.
An avid sport-car enthusiast, he serves as treasurer of the NSX Club of America.
Advisors to the Board:
Lynsey R. Wright - FBI COS
Adrienne Hughes - Alumni Events: Tucson