Management Team

Dr. Aundrea L. Matthews proudly serves as President of the Buffalo Soldiers Association of West Point, carrying forward the legacy of her ancestor, Buffalo Soldier Sgt. Sanders Haygood Matthews, who served at the United States Military Academy. With a Ph.D. in African American Religious Studies from Rice University and an extensive academic background spanning multiple institutions, Dr. Matthews brings scholarly depth and cultural expertise to her leadership role. Under her guidance, the Association has significantly expanded its mission to acknowledge, celebrate, and preserve the contributions of service members, Veterans, and their families throughout the Hudson Valley Region and beyond.

As a distinguished author, educator, and cultural advocate with over 15 years of experience utilizing art for human rights and social justice initiatives, Dr. Matthews has transformed the Buffalo Soldiers Association through visionary leadership and strategic planning. Her impressive credentials include serving as Cultural Arts Director of Eisenhower Hall Theatre at West Point, which achieved #1 ranking in the Hudson Valley under her direction. Dr. Matthews has received numerous accolades including the 2024 President's Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2023 Living Legend Award from Texas Christian University. Through her leadership, she ensures the Buffalo Soldiers' legacy at West Point remains a powerful and unforgettable influence on both the U.S. Army and the nation, creating replicable strategies that extend the Association's impact well beyond its immediate community.

Jennifer Hicks-McGowan serves as a distinguished member of the Buffalo Soldiers Association of West Point, bringing her exceptional military background and strategic leadership skills to the organization. Currently the Interim Executive Director of Employee Resources and Strategic Initiatives at Ramapo College of New Jersey, her leadership philosophy was forged at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where she managed comprehensive personnel operations for the entire West Point community. This military foundation instilled in her the commitment to integrity and excellence that defines her service to the Buffalo Soldiers Association.

With an MPA degree and PHR certification, Jennifer applies her expertise in strategic workforce planning, diversity initiatives, and high-performance culture development to honor the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers. Her belief that "it's the people and relationships that make all the difference" exemplifies her approach to servant leadership within the Association. Beyond her professional accomplishments in human resources, Jennifer actively advocates for veteran causes throughout New Jersey, connecting her West Point heritage with her dedication to preserving the historical significance of the Buffalo Soldiers while mentoring future leaders in the organization.

Carmiah Whitfield serves as Treasurer of the Buffalo Soldiers Association of West Point (BSAWP), bringing her extensive expertise in financial and program management to preserve the legacy of these historic military units. Appointed during the 63rd Annual Memorial Celebration, she embarks on a two-year term focused on expanding the organization's funding opportunities, program development, and strategic partnerships. As a business consultant in the development and cybersecurity field with a background in affordable housing development, proposal and program development in emergency management related fields, Carmiah is spearheading innovative initiatives including developing equine therapy and wellness programs for veterans and creating a pilot program showcasing climate-ready, sustainable housing solutions in the Hudson Valley.

Though her father was a Korean War veteran rather than a Buffalo Soldier, Carmiah's commitment to honoring military history and improving veterans' lives remains deeply personal. Her passion for addressing housing instability is evident in her advocacy: "To have housing is a right. My goal is to bring parity and equity into the housing market, emphasizing that sustainable climate-ready housing is available and affordable for everyone." Through her leadership as Treasurer, Carmiah skillfully balances preserving the Buffalo Soldiers' historical significance while creating tangible benefits for today's veterans and underserved communities, ensuring this important military legacy continues to inspire future generations while addressing contemporary challenges.

Christopher James serves as Sergeant at Arms for the Buffalo Soldiers Association of West Point while leading as Co-founder/CEO of the Veterans Action Group Buffalo Soldiers of America (VAGBSA), a Brooklyn-based nonprofit he established in 2014. Drawing from his own military experience, James has dedicated his career to helping veterans reintegrate into civilian life through advocacy, financial support, and housing assistance. His commitment to preserving the legacy of the historic Buffalo Soldiers is showcased through VAGBSA's signature event, the Brooklyn Veterans' Appreciation Parade on Eastern Parkway, which features the Federation of Black Cowboys honoring this important military heritage.

While maintaining his position as HRA Job Specialist with the City of New York since 2015, James continues expanding VAGBSA's impact through partnerships with city council members, the FDNY, and congressional representatives. His leadership philosophy emphasizes self-advocacy—"teach them to fish and they will not experience hunger again"—creating sustainable support systems for veterans and their families. James' appointment as Sergeant at Arms reflects his dedication to honoring the Buffalo Soldiers' legacy while building crucial community resources for today's veterans.

To come