Employees from the FBI and Adams Outdoor pose for a group photo. Michael Ruthsatz, director of real estate at Adams, holds his company's 2021 FBI Director's Community Leadership Award

Adams Outdoor Wins FBI 2021 Director’s Community Leadership Award

Adams Outdoor Advertising has added to FBI Charlotte investigations

By OOH TODAY believes all voices, not just the loudest, must be heard Last updated Nov 23, 2022

(From left to right) Adams Outdoor GM Mike Peters, Director of Real Estate Michael Ruthsatz, and FBI Charlotte Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Jason Kaplan

by Benny Taubman, OOH TODAY Journalist

FBI Charlotte chose Adams Outdoor Advertising to receive the 2021 Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA) for North Carolina. Since 1990, the FBI has awarded the DCLA to recognize the achievements of individuals and organizations who make extraordinary contributions to their communities by preventing and raising awareness of terrorism, crime, drugs, or violence.

“It seems natural that we would use our intelligence-driven assets to help [the FBI] be successful in any way assisting the community we work and LIVE in every day,” said Leyanne Burgans, Marketing Manager for Adams Outdoor. “What a tremendous opportunity we have with our wonderful assets to make a difference across the nation!”

Adams Outdoor has partnered with and donated space to the FBI Charlotte Field Office since 2011. With faces all over Charlotte, the owner has successfully generated publicity for the public good, spreading awareness of missing persons, cases of fraud, criminal activity, and more.

“The value Adams Outdoor Advertising has added to FBI Charlotte investigations is immeasurable,” said Jason Kaplan, the Assistant Special Agent in Charge. “Thousands of people see the digital billboards, which has helped prevent and solve many crimes. I greatly appreciate their partnership and service to our community.”

Going into the future, Adams Outdoor wants to continue working with FBI Charlotte and use its assets to expand the partnership across the entire state.