Secret Agent Man
Alumnus climbs ladder, holds chief position with FBI
By: Brian McLean
Issue date: 2/13/08 Section: News
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Arena, a 1985 CMU alumnus, now is Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Detroit Field Office, a position that has him supervising all FBI operations in Michigan.
"I feel like I'm doing something important," he said.
Arena's typical workday varies from budgetary concerns to meeting with civil rights groups, providing a consistently diverse palate of meaningful activities, he said.
He returned to campus Tuesday to present a lecture about counterterrorism and civil liberties. It was his first extensive visit to CMU in more than 20 years.
After earning a bachelor's degree in political science and history, Arena enrolled in the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. He joined the FBI in 1988, only two weeks after receiving his law degree.
"The FBI was something I was interested in," Arena said.
The dirty work
His analytic ability combined with an interest in law enforcement lent itself well to a career with the FBI, he said.
His first assignment was in the Albany Division, Syracuse Resident Agency, where he worked against general and organized crime. In July 1993, he moved to the Los Angeles Division, and was team leader in a task force against violent street gangs.
He went to the FBI headquarters in 1995 as supervisory special agent in the Organized Crime Sector. In 1997, he became supervisor of a squad against violent crimes and major offenders in Cleveland.
"I've been all over the system," Arena said.
Chief in charge
He returned to Michigan in 2001, overseeing the counter-terrorism and counterintelligence programs in Detroit. He was promoted to chief of the international operations section at FBI Headquarters in 2002, and in 2004 he transferred to New York to become Special Agent in Charge of the field office's Administrative Division.
He received his current position this year. The role, which Arena hesitated to describe as a "job," is enjoyable enough to keep it from feeling onerous.
"I'm really fortunate to have spent the last 20 years doing something I like," he said.
The college years
But before a nationwide law enforcement career and law school, Arena was at CMU, a time he described as formative.
He said smaller classes and individual care from professors are hallmarks of his undergraduate education.
"They care about the students, and they take the time to know you," he said. "That's kind of my lasting impression - the individual attention."
Tracy Olrich, physical education and sport professor, met Arena when they both were resident assistants in Robinson Hall.
Olrich, who still is friends with Arena, said he is a great guy, both enjoyable to be around and committed to his job.
Arena deserves his success, Olrich said.
"It's been fun for me to watch," Olrich said. "It couldn't happen to a better person."
Professors' rigor, along with an engaging student community, helped prepare him for law school and his career, Arena said.
Ted Tolcher, assistant vice president for planned and major gifts, invited Arena to speak on campus. Tolcher said Arena's storied career, spanning numerous facets of law enforcement, has given him an astounding amount of first-hand knowledge.
Arena's success reflects well on the university, Tolcher said.
"We're proud of what he's done and what he's accomplished," Tolcher said.
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