For the first time in its 55-year history, the SIGNA Society is opening its doors to sponsors. The move, leaders say, is designed to expand the reach of the fraternal organization while deepening support for those who served in the CIA’s Office of Security.
Sponsorships at four levels come with access to SIGNA’s newsletter, membership directory and annual events, while also contributing to a scholarship fund for members’ dependents. Already, 10% of sponsorship proceeds are earmarked for the foundation.
“When you work at CIA, you give your heart and soul to an organization whose mission is critically important to our national security,” said SIGNA Society Vice President Kirk McClain, a retired CIA officer. “There are many of us who have done things that we can never discuss outside our ranks. The public will never know. And there’s a bond there with those people that you share those types of things and experiences with.”
Established in 1970 by former colleagues of the CIA’s Office of Security, SIGNA Society is a 501(c) nonprofit, nonpolitical, fraternal organization focused on providing networking, educational and social opportunities for members and their families. Members are existing CIA employees, retirees and contractors who supported the CIA’s Office of Security during their careers.
SIGNA documents the history of its members, recognizes and memorializes their accomplishments, and connects the past with the present and future of all those that serve, McClain said.
SIGNA’s roughly 300 members connect through networking, mentoring and professional development beyond the CIA. The society also provides memorial funds for deceased members and for families of those who died in service to the agency.
“These are people who have served their country very faithfully and obviously will probably go out of this world without much acknowledgement or recognition for that level of support,” McClain said.
SIGNA also brings in speakers to share knowledge about topics helpful to members, such as personal finance, retirement transition, and Industry opportunities post-retirement. SIGNA offers members a vetted network of contacts and insights into job opportunities within the broader industry and around the country.
Membership levels are based on years with the Office of Security: associate for 1–10 years, journeyman for 11–20, and careerist for 21 or more.
“Being able to be a member of a group that has had such a commitment and service to such an incredible organization is a very meaningful thing,” McClain said. “And when you know that you’re sitting there socializing or shoulder to shoulder, around a table with folks who have served and supported in the way that you have, it’s a rewarding experience.”
To learn more about the organization or become a sponsor, reach out to McClain or SIGNA Society President Mary Rose McCaffrey.