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28 October 2019
With U.S. Military and FBI background, Robert Graves brings more than 35 years of experience to the position; will support Federation’s Security Task Force
WASHINGTON, DC –The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, in partnership with the Secure Community Network (SCN), is pleased to announce that Robert Graves has accepted the position of Regional Security Advisor to the National Capital Region.
In his new role, Graves will ensure that Federation and SCN continue to protect the 300,000 members of the Maryland, Washington, DC, and Northern Virginia Jewish community who worship and attend area synagogues, day schools, and other facilities. Graves will also serve as Director of Security for The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. He succeeds Mark Jardina, who continues to be a valuable resource and source of information throughout the transition.
The position of Regional Security Advisor is a vital element of Federation’s collaboration with SCN, the official safety and security organization of the American Jewish community, as the organizations work together to manage regional security programs.
Graves comes to SCN with 35 years of expertise in security and counterintelligence within the U.S. military, law enforcement, and the intelligence community. As a U.S. Army veteran who served during Desert Storm, Graves spent 22 years with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, assigned to the Atlanta Division, FBI Headquarters, and the Houston Division, specializing in counterintelligence, counterproliferation, counterterrorism, and undercover operations. He was also a member of the Behavioral Analysis Program team, developing investigative and interrogation strategies and conducting risk of violence assessments in support of National Security investigations.
“The Jewish Federation, in partnership with SCN, remains focused on advancing our communal security and safety,” noted Gil Preuss, CEO of The Jewish Federation. “Having a dedicated Regional Security Advisor allows us to foster a culture of empowerment, collaboration, and vigilance across the community. Greater Washington will undoubtedly benefit from Robert’s extensive expertise, and we look forward to working with him.”
Graves has already begun to work with Federation’s Security Task Force. Charged with assessing and identifying ways to improve our community’s security in light of shifting realities, the Task Force has the mandate and opportunity to determine key security issues, bring attention to any gaps that exist, and pursue a strategic and agile approach to doing what we can to meet communal needs now and in the future.
In the coming weeks, local synagogues and organizations will receive a security survey, developed to help Federation, SCN, and the Task Force better understand our community’s levels of preparedness and the resources needed to create a safer and more secure community. Please encourage your organizations to participate in this important effort. The data collected will aid the Task Force in identifying security funding gaps and determining their resource allocation recommendations.
Learn more about how Federation and SCN are working to keep our community safe at shalomdc.org/security-updates-and-resources.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington envisions an open, connected, and vibrant Jewish community that cares for each other, fosters Jewish learning and journeys, embraces Jewish peoplehood and Israel, and acts as a force for good in the world. As a mission-driven non-profit organization, we work to inspire, build, and sustain vibrant Jewish life in a changing world by mobilizing our community in common purpose, intentional innovation, and effective action. Learn more at shalomdc.org.
The Secure Community Network (SCN), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, is the official homeland security and safety initiative of the organized Jewish community in North America. Founded in 2004, under the auspices of The Jewish Federations of North American and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, SCN serves as the central organization dedicated exclusively to the safety and security of the American Jewish Community, working across 146 federations, 50 partner organizations, over 300 independent communities as well as with other partners in the public, private, non-profit and academic sectors. SCN is dedicated to ensuring that Jewish organizations, communities, as well as life and culture can not only exist safely and securely, but flourish. Learn more at: securecommunitynetwork.org.