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.