Towards a More Safe and Secure World – Cooperative Efforts in Combating Transnational Crime for the Indo-Pacific

When an IVLP group comes to Northwest Florida, we don’t just host them, we connect them with the people and places shaping America’s future.

In September 2025, Gulf Coast Diplomacy welcomed eight participants from the Indo-Pacific for a seven-day International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) focused on cooperative efforts to combat transnational crime. The project was coordinated nationally by FHI 360.

Over three programming days, participants engaged with local government, law enforcement agencies, and the public in settings designed to encourage dialogue and collaboration. Hands-on sessions, home hospitality, and cultural activities ensured that the visit combined professional depth with authentic local connection.

Program Highlights

• America250: Exchange Cafe at Seville Quarter
  Participants engaged in open dialogue with local supporters and members, including Sajida Shabanali, Derek Stromas, Darina Ivanova, Jeannine Van Reeth, Leigh and Kent DeSantis, and Liz Yelverton. Conversations centered on daily life and professional work.
• City of Pensacola
  Official welcome from Council Member Charles Bare provided an overview of the city’s history, including its role as a historic port and military hub, and the local economy’s main drivers: tourism, defense, and healthcare.
• Office of the State Attorney
  State Attorney Ginger Madden and Deputy Chief Assistant State Attorney Frederick Longmire engaged with participants to explore criminal justice proceedings in the U.S. Assistant State Attorneys Charles “Charlie” Britt and Angelique Hutchins, as well as Executive Director William Moore, answered the group’s questions and engaged in a mutual exchange.
• Pensacola Police Department (PPD)
  Sergeants Jeff Brown and Joe Taschetta met with participants at Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to discuss their collaboration on crime prevention and response strategies. The meeting was coordinated with Lieutenant Pat Bradley of the PPD Community Outreach Division and shed light on valuable tools to prevent of human trafficking and crime.
• Escambia County Sheriff’s Office
  Sheriff Chip Simmons welcomed the participants and answered questions about how his office handles criminal cases, and alongside Chief Andrew Hobbs, shared how the office collaborates with military law enforcement on major event security and disaster response. Investigator John Little presented how investigators are trained. Lawrence Mista led the participants on a tour of the crime scene lab, and Lieutenant Brandon Beech answered questions in the real-time crime center. This visit was coordinated through Community Relations Coordinator David Craig.
• Gulf Coast Kids’ House, Inc.
  Clinical Coordinator of the Child Protection Team, Barbie Valletto, and Director of Partner Relations, Ashli Tillman, welcomed participants and shared the center’s comprehensive approach to victim advocacy, including support services and coordinated efforts to prevent future victimization.
• Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) – Pensacola Regional Operations Center
  Matthew White led visitors on a behind-the-scenes tour of the tools and methods used to tackle transnational issues in the center’s crime lab.
• Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court and Comptroller
  Participants met with Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court Jason English and Tim Weekley and examined the U.S. judicial system and engaged with legal professionals through a courthouse tour and roundtable discussion. Laura Campbell helped coordinate this visit.
• Home Hospitality Dinners
  Evenings spent in local homes, sharing meals and conversation fostered understanding and built friendships that extended beyond professional connections. Thank you to Jean Norman, Leslie, and Gerry Yandle, Liz, Basil, and Leah Yelverton for welcoming visitors and enhancing their experience in Northwest Florida.

Why It Matters

For Our Community
This program brought international leaders into direct conversation with local leaders, law enforcement agents, and residents. It gave our community a chance to showcase its commitment to transparency, democratic integrity, and warm hospitality. Projects like this strengthen the local economy through hotels, restaurants, and transportation, while offering Americans exposure to new perspectives and demonstrating why Northwest Florida is an inspiring place for professional exchange.

For Our Nation
This IVLP project advanced the shared values of leadership and service. By connecting leaders from the Indo-Pacific region with American peers, the program fostered lasting bonds that will support engagement at home and abroad.

Thank You to Our Partners

We are grateful to everyone listed above and their teams who made this program possible.

Your expertise, generosity, and welcome demonstrated the best of Northwest Florida to our international visitors.