Africa Center for Strategic Studies

 Director

Ambassador William M. Bellamy (ret.) officially became director of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies on 1 October 2008. At the time of his appointment, he was resident senior fellow in the Africa Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington D.C. Previously he had served as Senior Vice President of National Defense University.

A career diplomat, Ambassador Bellamy was U.S. ambassador to Kenya from 2003 to 2006. During his tenure in Kenya he directed U.S. security programs in the Horn of Africa. He also supervised the U.S. government’s largest foreign HIV/AIDS program and led multinational efforts to combat corruption and promote good governance in Kenya. He served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs (2001-2003) and as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs (2000-2001).

His earlier diplomatic assignments include Deputy Chief of Mission in Canberra (1997-2000), Political Minister-Counselor in Paris (1993-1997) and Political Counselor in Pretoria and Cape Town (1991-1993). In South Africa he was closely engaged in U.S. diplomatic efforts to promote a peaceful transition from apartheid to democratic rule.

Ambassador Bellamy holds a BA in history from Occidental College and an MA in international relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy (Tufts University). He holds certificates from the Institute Universitaire de Hautes Etudes Internationales in Geneva and the Ecole Nationale d’Administration in Paris.

Ambassador Bellamy is the recipient of a Presidential Meritorious Service Award, the Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Distinguished Civilian Service Award, and a Distinguished Honor Award and two Superior Honor Awards conferred by the Secretary of State. Prior to joining the Foreign Service, he worked as a journalist in San Francisco and public relations officer for a major bank in Los Angeles.

 Deputy Director

Mr. Mike Garrison, Colonel U.S. Army (ret.), assumed duties as the Deputy Director of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies in May 2009. He brings more than 28 years of management, policy development, peacekeeping and operations experience including over a decade of uninterrupted African political and military affairs experience to his new position as a senior member of the Africa Center’s leadership team. He is the Director’s chief operating officer and principle advisor for strategic planning and policy analysis and responsible for the development of Africa Center programs to support the United States policy communities’ African affairs goals.

Mr. Garrison retired from the U.S. Army in May after 28 years of active duty and assumed this senior executive level position at the Africa Center. Immediately prior to his retirement, he served as the Director for the Southern Africa Region in the Office of the Secretary of Defense for African Affairs. There he managed all aspects of bilateral and multilateral defense strategy, policies, programs, and relations between the Department of Defense and nine southern African countries.

His association with Africa started in 1996 with his assignment to the Multinational Force and Observers, in Sinai Egypt, where he commanded the Aviation Unit which provided aviation support to the 11-nation peacekeeping force. In 1999, Mr. Garrison was assigned to U.S. European Command as a Political/Military affairs officer responsible for all U.S. military security cooperation and contingency plans for the 11 southern most African nations. He was subsequently assigned as the Defense and Army Attaché to the Republic of Kenya from July 2002 through June 2005, and then assigned as the Defense and Army Attaché to the Republic of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland, from June 2005 through June 2008. During his tour in South Africa, he was deployed to Sudan as the Defense Liaison Officer for several months to support the Embassy during the Abuja peace negotiation. In these positions, he was responsible for the management of all uniformed political-military relations with each host nation governments.

During his Army career, Mr. Garrison held several Army and Joint command and staff positions serving in Germany, Africa, the Middle East, and the United States. He was awarded numerous Department of Defense, U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force awards and decorations and earned the U.S. Army Master Aviator badge and has over 2,800 rotary- and fixed-wing flight hours.

Colonel Garrison holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona; a Master of Science degree in Aerospace Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; and a Master of Science degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, was an Honor Graduate from the U.S. Army Rotary Wing Aviator Qualification Course, and a Distinguished Graduate from the U.S. Army Armor Officers Basic Course.

Academic Dean

Dr. Monde Muyangwa currently serves as Academic Dean at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies. In this capacity, she oversees all curriculum and program development for the Africa Center, including in the areas of Security Studies, Counter-Terrorism, Civil-Military Relations, Defense Economics, and Conflict Management

Dr. Muyangwa possesses an extensive background in African development and U.S.-Africa relations. She currently participates on a number of Africa-related programs, including serving on the Advisory Council of the Ibrahim Index of African Governance, a project of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. Before joining the Africa Center, she worked as Director of Research and then Vice President for Research and Policy at the National Summit on Africa from 1997-2000. There, she was responsible for overseeing the research, writing, and production of the Summit’s publications pertaining to U.S.-Africa relations.

Prior to joining the Summit, she worked as Director of International Education Programs at New Mexico Highlands University, and as Tutor in African History, Politics and Economics at St. Clare’s College, Oxford. She has served as a development and gender consultant, and has worked on a wide range of community development projects in southern Africa in the areas of education, housing, health, and nutrition. She has co-authored, with Margaret Vogt, a publication for the International Peace Academy titled An Assessment of the Organization of African Unity’s Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution.

She holds a Ph.D. in International Relations and a BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Oxford, as well as a BA in Public Administration and Economics from the University of Zambia. She was a Rhodes Scholar, a Wingate Scholar, and the University of Zambia Class of 1986 Valedictory Speaker.

Director, Community Outreach and Public Affairs

Mr. Bernath began work at the ACSS on April 15, 2004 and assumed his present position in April 2007. He is responsible for programs in support of developing and maintaining long-term communications and relationships with ACSS alumni. He is also responsible for development, implementation and evaluation of strategic communications; media and public relations plans to increase awareness about the Africa Center among stakeholders and other constituents.

Prior to coming to ACSS, Mr. Bernath served as Director of Conflict Resolution and Prevention for Refugees International. He conducted firsthand research and published articles on improving peacekeeping operations in Africa as a means of preventing and shortening armed conflicts. .

Mr. Bernath served from1993-1998 as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs. He was the senior Public Affairs planner at the Pentagon for media coverage of military exercises and combat operations. He also implemented a highly successful program for providing public affairs training to NATO Partnership for Peace (PfP) militaries in the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Ukraine, Slovenia, Azerbaijan, Sweden and Russia.

From April 1998 to January 2001, he was the Director of the American Forces Information Service (AFIS). He was responsible for ensuring that members of the Armed Forces, their families, and Department of Defense Civilians had access to news, DoD information and entertainment wherever they were stationed around the world.

Mr. Bernath is a retired Army officer who served as an Infantry officer in Vietnam. He is a career Senior Executive Service (SES) employee with the Department of Defense. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Missouri, and a Master of Science degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Kansas State University.

Chief of Staff

Danielle Buchanan came to the Africa Center in August 2001 after working as a government civilian employee at the United States European Command in Stuttgart, Germany. For 22 years, Buchanan worked for senior level flag officers. She was the executive assistant to the past seven Deputy Commanders in Chief of the United States European Command. In that capacity, she traveled extensively throughout 40 African countries. Possessing a thorough understanding of U.S., European and African political and military affairs, she collaborated with U.S. and foreign high-level government officials and foreign Heads of State. Born in Etain, France, she speaks French fluently and also speaks German.

 Senior French Representative

Colonel Xavier Collignon is the senior French representative to the Africa Center for Strategic Studies since August 2008. As a Marine Officer he has acquired vast experience with Africa, ranging from academic periods to combat missions, in addition to cooperation with African militaries. Colonel Collignon’s 25 years of service has led him to Africa numerous times, including operations inside Djibouti, Ethiopia, Gabon, the Central African Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, and most recently Chad. Other assignments have included service in the former Yugoslavia at Sarajevo 1994-1995. Staff Positions have included a tour with the Army Press information center in Paris in 1996-2000, being the Chief of Operations of the 5th Marine Regiment in Djibouti from 2001 to 2003, and Chief of Crisis Response Cell “Cote d’Ivoire” in Paris, France from 2003 to 2006. His most recent assignment prior to coming to the Africa Center for Strategic Studies was as Commanding Officer of the 21st Marine Infantry Regiment from 2006 to 2008.

Colonel Collignon is a graduate of the French Military Academy of St. Cyr, receiving his commission in 1986 as a lieutenant in the French Army. He is also a 2000 graduate of the Army Staff College, and a 2001 graduate of the Joint Staff College.

Colonel Collignon’s decorations include the Legion of Honor (chevalier), the Order of National Merit (chevalier), the “Ordre du 27 juin” from Djibouti (officer), the Cross of Military Valor with two stars, bronze and silver, as well as the National Defense Medal “échelon Or” with a bronze star.

 Senior Portuguese Representative

Colonel António Manuel Pereira Rodrigues Pinheiro is the Senior Portuguese Representative to the Africa Center for Strategic Studies. He joined the ACSS in February 2007.

Col. Pinheiro comes to the Africa Center from the National Defense Institute in Lisbon, where he worked as Faculty Advisor specializing in Sub-Saharan Africa. In this position, he oversaw defense courses for young auditors. Prior to this, Col. Pinheiro worked as Deputy Commander of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment. As a Desk Officer for African Defense Cooperation for the National Defense Policy Directorate, he has acquired a significant experience on African Security, particularly focused on Security Sector Reform in Lusophone African countries and their specific dynamics of sub-regional integration. He also held positions as Operations/Intelligence Officer with the 3rd Cavalry Regiment and Military Assistant to the Portuguese Military Representative to NATO Military Committee at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.

Col. Pinheiro is a graduate of the Military Academy in Lisbon, where he studied Social Military Sciences. He also holds a Post-graduate degree in International Relations from the University of Brussels. He has taken courses in Africa Peace Operations, Peace Building, National Security and Defense. He is a fellow of the National Defense Institute in Lisbon.

Col. Pinheiro speaks fluent Portuguese, English, and French.

Director, Intra-Governmental Affairs

Dr. Jerry Sullivan, Colonel, U.S. Army (Ret.), began his tenure as the Director of Intra-Governmental Affairs for the Africa Center for Strategic Studies in August 2008. He advises the Center’s Director in all areas relating to ACSS stakeholders (Department of Defense, Department of State, National Security Council, Congress, Africa Command, European Command, Central Command, Pacific Command, and others as directed), and interfaces with Washington decision makers, keeping the Director fully informed of the latest events of interest to the Africa Center. Dr. Sullivan is the primary liaison and personal representative for the Director with the responsibility for assuring that the views and objectives of the Director are vigorously pursued during meetings with stakeholders. He keeps the Director informed on all issues and actions while independently seeing them through to completion, preparing and presenting timely recommendations and solutions to complex issues. He is directly responsible to the Director for all guidance.

Dr. Sullivan retired from the United States Army as a Colonel in April 2006 after almost 27 years of service. His assignments included: Deputy Division Chief for Political-Military Affairs, Central Asia/South Asia, J-5, The Joint Staff (2004-2006); Strategic Planner, J-5, The Joint Staff (2002-2004); the National War College (2001-2002); Chief, Reserve Forces Integration, Deputy Under Secretary of the Army (International Affairs) (1999-2001); Media Relations and Congressional Liaison Officer, Office of the Chief, Army Reserve (1995-1999). After retirement, Dr. Sullivan was a regional foreign affairs advisor for the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, and a senior foreign affairs specialist for the Defense Technology Security Administration.

His awards and decorations include a Special Act Award from the Department of Homeland Security, a Legion of Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal with Star, the Humanitarian Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Silver Hourglass, Korea Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Joint Staff Identification Badge, Army Staff Identification Badge, Parachutist’s Badge and Air Assault Badge.

He holds a Ph.D. and Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of Cincinnati, a Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National War College, an M.A. in International Relations from Boston University, and a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Xavier University. Dr. Sullivan has also graduated from the Air War College and the Army Command and General Staff College. He speaks French, German and Russian.

Senior Diplomatic Advisor

James McGee is the Senior Diplomatic Advisor at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies. In this capacity, Mr. McGee assists the director in representational responsibilities at conferences, events, and official functions in Washington, elsewhere in the United States, in Africa and Europe.

A career diplomat, Mr. McGee was U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe from October 2007 to August 2009. Prior to his nomination, he served as Ambassador to the Republic of Madagascar (2004-2007) and as Ambassador to Swaziland (2002-2004). While serving as Ambassador to Madagascar, he also served as Ambassador to the Union of the Comoros (2006-2007).

Mr. McGee began his career in the Foreign Service in 1981 and served as Third Secretary and Vice Consul at the American Embassy in Lagos, Nigeria, from 1982 to 1984. From 1984 to 1986, he served as Administrative Officer at the American Consulate General in Lahore, Pakistan. Mr. McGee served as Second Secretary and Supervisory General Services Officer at the American Embassy in The Hague, The Netherlands, from 1986 to 1989. From 1989 to 1991, he served as Administrative Officer at the American Consulate General in Bombay, India.

Mr. McGee was assigned to the U.S. Department of State as a Special Assistant in the Bureau of Finance and Management Policy from 1991 to 1992. In early 1992, he volunteered for duty at the American Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados. He served as Administrative Counselor at the American Embassy in Kingston, Jamaica, from 1995 to 1998, and as Administrative Counselor at the American Embassy in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from 1998 to 2001.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Mr. McGee is a graduate of Indiana University. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1968 to 1974 and completed Vietnamese-language studies at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California. Mr. McGee earned three Distinguished Flying Crosses during his duty in Vietnam.