THE MOB MUSEUM, THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ORGANIZED CRIME AND LAW ENFORCEMENT, HONORED WITH THE 2021 FBI DIRECTOR’S COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD

THE MOB MUSEUM, THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ORGANIZED CRIME AND LAW ENFORCEMENT, HONORED WITH THE 2021 FBI DIRECTOR’S COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD

LAS VEGAS (September 2022) – Every year, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) 56 field offices nominate individuals or organizations in local communities making a difference and exemplifying leadership. This year, the FBI Las Vegas Field Office selected The Mob Museum, the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, for the 2021 Director’s Community Leadership Award. This special award, presented on behalf of the Director of the FBI, was formally created in 1990 to honor individuals and organizations for their efforts in combating crime, terrorism, drugs, and violence in America.

The award recognizes the Museum’s commitment to community, educating the public, promoting awareness and convening important conversations about law enforcement concerns and safety issues facing the state of Nevada. It was presented at The Mob Museum’s quarterly Board of Directors meeting, which took place on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022. On hand to accept the award were Museum President and Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Ullman, Board of Directors Chair Steve Martinez and Oscar Goodman, the primary visionary behind The Mob Museum, former chairman of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and former mayor of the City of Las Vegas.

Throughout the Museum, the FBI’s role in combating organized crime and public corruption in America is highlighted through stories of success, further showcasing the agency’s important role in keeping communities safe. Over the last 10 years, the Museum has hosted a number of public events and programs to extend its mission of advancing the public understanding of organized crime’s history and impact on American society. These Museum programs have discussed high-profile cases spanning murders, cybercrime, bombings, kidnappings and political corruption.

Ullman is a graduating member of the FBI Citizens Academy and served as President of the FBI Las Vegas Citizens Academy Alumni Association from 2018-2021. Ullman played a vital role in the association by leading several committees and organizing the highest attended FBI National CAAA Conference held in Las Vegas in 2021.

“The Museum is proud of its relationship with local and federal law enforcement agencies. In particular, the Museum has always enjoyed strong ties with the FBI’s Las Vegas field office,” said Ullman. 

“I’m so proud to present this award to The Mob Museum – a true gem in the city of Las Vegas,” said Spencer Evans, special agent in charge of the Las Vegas field office.

The Museum’s Board of Directors and Advisory Council includes numerous former and current FBI personnel and Citizens Academy alumni. Key individuals and their roles include:

  • Board of Directors Chair Steve Martinez – Martinez enjoyed a distinguished career with the agency from 1987-2013 and is the former special agent in charge of the Las Vegas field office. 
  • Board of Directors Vice Chair Valerie Murzl – Murzl is a graduate of the FBI Las Vegas Citizens Academy, a former president, and now a lifetime member of the FBILVCAAA.
  • Former Board of Directors Chair and Advisory Council member Jeffery Silver – Silver is an FBI Las Vegas Citizens Academy graduate and a founding member of the FBILVCAAA.
  • Past Board of Directors Chair and current Advisory Council Chair Ellen Knowlton – Served as a special agent for 24 years with the agency, culminating her career as the special agent in charge of the Las Vegas field officer prior to retiring in 2006.

ABOUT THE MOB MUSEUM

The Mob Museum, the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, provides a world-class journey through true stories—from the birth of the Mob to today’s headlines. The Mob Museum offers a provocative, contemporary look at these topics through hundreds of artifacts and immersive storylines. Numerous interactive exhibits include a Crime Lab, Firearm Training Simulator and Organized Crime Today exhibit. The Museum is also home to The Underground, a Prohibition history exhibition featuring a speakeasy and distillery. The Mob Museum has accumulated numerous accolades, including being named one of TripAdvisor’s “Top 25 U.S. Museums;” one of Las Vegas Weekly’s “Twenty Greatest Attractions in Las Vegas History” and  “Best Museum” by its 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards; one of National Geographic’s “Top 10 Things to Do in Las Vegas;” USA Today’s “Best Museum in Nevada,” 10Best Readers’ Choice travel awards for “Best Las Vegas Attraction” in 2021, “Top Five Best History Museums in the United States” in 2021 and one of its “12 Can’t Miss U.S. Museum Exhibits;” named “A Must for Travelers” by The New York Times and one of “20 Places Every American Should See” by FOX News. The Museum is a two-time winner of the Mayor’s Urban Design Award for Historic Preservation and Adaptive Reuse and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The Museum is open daily; visit the website for admission rates and operating hours. For more information, call (702) 229-2734, visit themobmuseum.org, or download the Museum’s free mobile app.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:
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(469) 226-4723, (702) 249-2977