G. Bernard Benson '89, President
With extensive experience in human resources and leadership within the U.S. Army, G. Bernard Benson has excelled in senior roles across multiple commands, both stateside and internationally. From serving as the Human Resources Program Director and Senior Personnel Advisor to the Saudi Arabian National Guard to leading operations at Fort Bragg, NC, and overseeing personnel accountability across the CENTCOM area, Bernard has demonstrated strategic planning, team leadership, and cross-cultural collaboration. These roles, coupled with a commitment to developing HR policies and mentoring diverse teams, make Bernard Benson uniquely qualified to lead the Citadel African American Alumni Association.
Alvin Perkins '79, Vice President
Alvin Perkins is a retired U.S. Army Colonel with a distinguished 25-year career that includes leadership roles across multiple deployments and assignments worldwide. A Citadel graduate from the Class of 1979, Alvin has a wealth of experience in operational command, strategic planning, and organizational leadership, making him well-equipped to serve the Citadel community. His commitment to service extends beyond his military career, as he was a government contractor in multiple companies as a senior program manager for 11 years and has actively engaged in mentorship and leadership development within various alumni and professional networks such as Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Keyshawn Gascey '22, Executive Secretary
Keyshawn Gascey is a graduate of The Citadel, holding dual bachelor's degrees in English and Political Science. With a background in journalism and communications, Keyshawn has long pursued stories that reflect the complexities of daily life and uplift underrepresented voices. His passion for research, writing, and advocacy has fueled a consistent commitment to disinvested communities, particularly in the realms of education and access to information. This dedication has led him to pursue a legal education, with the goal of entering criminal defense and addressing systemic injustices through representation. Keyshawn also plans to return to his home region to help bridge educational gaps and improve long-standing disparities in access and quality. His career—spanning military service, media, and now law—reflects a deep and ongoing commitment to public service and community impact.
Faron Gallon '88, Director of Finance
With over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Faron Gallon is a seasoned professional in insurance and financial planning. Licensed to sell various insurance products in Florida since 1999, Faron holds the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designation from the American College and the Chartered Retirement Planning Consultant (CRPC) designation from the College of Financial Planning. He has worked with some of the largest banks, insurance companies, and brokerage firms in the United States. A former U.S. Navy Lieutenant, he served his country in Operation Desert Shield/Storm in the Persian Gulf. Currently, he is a Toyota “Pros-Certified” salesperson at Daytona Toyota, FL with 11 years with the Toyota Brand where he continues to demonstrate his commitment to customer service and financial expertise.
Mary Thornton '05, Director of Plans
Mary E. Thornton, a trailblazing alumna of The Citadel, is the first African American woman graduate promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. She has served as an Air Defense Artillery (ADA) Officer in the U.S. Army. Her career spans a series of distinguished roles, from Platoon Leader in South Korea to Company Commander in Afghanistan, and currently as the ADA Proponent Director as an active-duty Lieutenant Colonel. Mary’s leadership experiences across diverse and challenging environments have equipped her with skills in strategic thinking, cross-cultural communication, and coalition-building. Her unique journey, marked by perseverance and resilience, has made her a well-rounded and insightful mentor for future cadets.
M. Greg Green '06, Director of Operations
M. Greg Green is an independent diversity consultant and community health worker training manager, working with over 300 individuals annually to foster inclusivity and cultural humility. With a background shaped by his experience as the 22nd Black woman to graduate from The Citadel, he blends his personal resilience with a deep understanding of the value of empathy, compassion, and intentionality in his work. Having served in public service as both a police officer and firefighter, Greg has a unique perspective on the challenges of discrimination, particularly related to gender identity. His work is grounded in the belief that inclusion goes beyond ethnicity, advocating for a holistic view that recognizes all facets of a person’s identity. Greg takes pride in using his privilege to amplify marginalized voices and confront systems of exclusion, never shying away from speaking truth to power.
L. Shay Peterson '02, Director of Communications
L. Shay Peterson was in the first class of African American women to graduate from The Citadel and in the fourth class of women graduates overall. Shay served nine years in the U.S. Air Force as an intelligence officer and is an Iraq War veteran. Several years after separating from the military, she served as the Assistant Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management at Mercer University School of Law. She is a licensed attorney in Georgia and Illinois, specializing in Georgia real estate and Illinois workers’ compensation. Shay is currently a Senior Advisor at Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education. Whether analyzing threats to military operations, providing legal counsel to clients, or evaluating the effectiveness of business operations, Shay has over 20 years of experience as a proven analyst and trusted advisor.
Justin Pearson '91, Director of Membership and Recruiting
Dr. Justin Pearson has been in higher education specifically in the area of Enrollment Management for 29 years at various colleges/universities in South Carolina. He currently serves as the Dean of Enrollment Management or Chief Enrollment Officer at Florence-Darlington Technical College where he leads various departments. Dr. Pearson also serves as a Board member for the School Foundation in Florence School District One. He is a life member of the CAA. Dr. Pearson has been married to his wife, Benita, for 33 years and they have two adult sons.
Sheriff Bangura '20, Director of Scholarships
Sheriff Bangura is a dedicated cybersecurity and IT professional with a robust background in computer networking, data analysis, and business process improvement. His experience spans roles with the U.S. Army, Department of the Navy, and Amazon Web Services, where he has excelled in both technical and leadership capacities. A Citadel alumnus with a bachelor’s in computer science and a current PhD candidate in Artificial Intelligence, Sheriff is committed to leveraging his skills to support team missions and contribute meaningfully as a collaborative team player. His volunteer work teaching cybersecurity to students reflects his dedication to mentorship and creating pathways for others to succeed.