In Memoriam
Ivan Wolkind
Immediate Past Chairman, InfraGard National Members Alliance
Loving Husband, Father and Friend
1967 - 2024
It is with heavy hearts and a profound sense of loss that we mourn the sudden passing of Ivan Wolkind, Immediate Past Chairman of InfraGard National Members Alliance. Ivan was truly larger than life - an incredible leader and visionary in the security community who was extraordinarily passionate about the InfraGard program. He volunteered six years of service on the InfraGard National board of directors, including a leadership role as Chairman of the Board. The hours were long and the workload was heavy, but Ivan approached it all with grace, humility, and an unwavering focus on protecting our nation and the American people.
Ivan devoted his life to keeping others safe. He was a man of faith who made extraordinary contributions to the Jewish community as CEO of Magen Am USA and COO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, where he founded the Community Security Initiative. Ivan also volunteered as a sworn reserve police officer for the Los Angeles Police Department for 10 years.
For those of us who were lucky enough to know Ivan and count him as a friend, we have many fond memories of our time with him: the countless times he made us laugh over dinner with his quick wit and sense of humor; the poise with which he would take the stage at InfraGard Congress and address a roomful of IMA leaders; the grit he showed when he would dig his heels in and lead during challenging times; and the way his face lit up when he would talk about his family.
Ivan was a doting husband and father to his beloved wife and three children, of whom he was so proud. Family always came first for Ivan, and his legacy will live on through them. It is with all the love, respect and gratitude in the world that we share how much we will miss Ivan, and we take comfort in the fact that his memory is far too big and bold and bright to ever be forgotten.
David “Kawika” Talisman
Founding Board Member, InfraGard Hawaii Members Alliance
2015 Recipient, Linda Franklin National Achievement Memorial Award
11/24/1944 – 5/2/2024
It is with our fondest aloha and mahalo that we bid farewell to David Kawika Talisman. After working with the FBI Honolulu Field Office to start a local InfraGard chapter, Kawika became one of the founding board members of the InfraGard Hawaii Members Alliance and was an active member until his passing on May 2, 2024. He played a major active part in the Internet Safety Awards program, which was recognized by the FBI, and helped many schools in Hawaii participate. Kawika was a graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy and a member of the FBI Honolulu Citizens Academy Alumni Association.
Although born in New Jersey, he was a true son of Hawaii. His contributions included serving as a police officer with the Honolulu Police Department and as a private investigator. He was awarded the Top Cop Award from the State of Hawaii in 2016. He led a colorful and profound career and was blessed with talents which included being a writer for the television series, The Jeffersons, a writer for the Walt Disney Mickey Mouse Club, a journalist and a musician.
On the national level, he previously served as Chairman of the InfraGard National Members Alliance Awards Committee and helped rewrite the charter during that time. In 2015, he received the Linda Franklin National Achievement Memorial Award. He shared many stories and fond memories of his times with former FBI Director James Comey.
His signature line gave his official positions in life. But Kawika was so much more than that. The man, the myth, the legend. We will miss you brother. Kawika is survived by wife Kyoto and family. His colleagues, family and friends bid our warmest aloha to Kawika and his family.
Michael W. Lowder
12/31/1954 - 1/30/2020
InfraGard National honors the lifetime commitment of one of our board members, Michael Lowder, who passed away unexpectedly on January 30th 2020.
Mike dedicated his life to serving this nation in many different capacities, and always with distinction and integrity.
He was a devoted InfraGard member who proved to be a valuable asset at every turn. We honor Mike this month, and always, for the exceptional work he did throughout his career.
Mr. Lowder had more than 47 years of experience in the law enforcement and emergency services field, at the Federal, State and Local government levels. He was a Special Agent with the US Government, a Special Agent with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the Director of Emergency Services at the County level in North Carolina.
He was a senior member of FEMA’s National Emergency Response Team (ERT-N), and lead the Domestic Emergency Response Team (DEST). Mike served as the Director of the Office of Intelligence, Security & Emergency Response (S-60) for the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Mike was the proud recipient of many awards including, but not limited to;
- In 2012 he was awarded the Presidential Rank Award – Distinguished Executive.
- In 2011 & 2018 he was awarded the DOT Secretary’s Gold Medal for Outstanding Achievement.
- In 2018, he received the Director of National Intelligence award for Partner Engagement.
- In 2015 he was selected to represent the U.S. at the China Executive Leadership Academy (CELAP).
He was a graduate of the Harvard University - John F. Kennedy School of Government Leadership in Government Program, and attended the Citadel.