James A. Trinka, Ph.D.

As the Assistant Director for the new Training and Development Division, Jim will oversee a major expansion of FBI learning and development from a traditional focus on New Agent Training and the National Academy toward a more strategic emphasis on career development for all FBI employees, especially in support of the new priorities of counter-intelligence and anti-terrorism.

Prior to his appointment with the FBI, Jim served over 4 years as the Internal Revenue Service's Director of Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness with overall "corporate" responsibility for the development of over 10,000 managers and succession planning for over 110,000 employees. Under his guidance, IRS leadership development and succession planning programs became the benchmark in both the public and private sector, recognized by numerous organizations such as GAO, Brookings Institute, and the Corporate Leadership Council as "best practice." He earned the IRS' top award, the Commissioner's Award, in 2002 and in 2003, ASTD bestowed it first annual, prestigious "BEST Award" to the IRS for training excellence.

Jim also completed a distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force, honorably retiring after nearly 22 years flying F-4 and F-16 fighter aircraft, holding a variety of training, leadership, and command positions. In Air Force International Affairs, Jim served as the Middle East country director, advancing the air force capabilities of eight different countries through the U.S. Foreign Military Assistance Program. He also served as the Deputy Commander for Operations of a 2,500 person unit, comprised of forces from five countries and three services, deployed to Kuwait in response to Iraqi opposition to UN weapons inspectors. Jim garnered several honors and awards in his military career to include several campaign and expeditionary medals, two Meritorious Service Medals, the Jabara Award for Airmanship, the Aviators' Valor Award, and the Air Force Well Done Award.

Jim earned his Doctorate in Political Science (International Politics) from The George Washington University in 2001. His undergraduate degree is in Engineering Mechanics from the United States Air Force Academy, where he earned distinguished graduate honors. He also holds a Master of Philosophy (M.Ph.) Degree in Political Science from The George Washington University (1999) and a Master's Degree in Aeronautical Science (MAS) from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (1986). Jim was selected as one of only two external candidates for the IRS Executive Candidate Development Program in August 1999 and attended the Aspen Institute Executive Seminar in December 2000. He has authored numerous works on leadership development and political science, including a highly regarded article on Developing "Great" Leaders published by ASTD in 2003.

Jim is also active in the community, serving as vice president on his local homeowners association's Board of Trustees and as a member of his church's Administrative Council.