The Alpha Touch: 21 Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Shaping America Through Key Roles in the Biden-Harris Administration

In the intricate tapestry of American leadership, the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha have a long history of holding key roles that push the country forward.

Behind the scenes, a cohort of distinguished individuals from the prestigious Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity has been instrumental in shaping and steering the trajectory of the current Biden-Harris administration. We at Watch The Yard have, with the help of Alpha Phi Alpha brothers in the administration, created a list of 21 accomplished brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha who occupy key positions across various spheres of influence in the administration. From policy architects to strategic advisors, these Alpha Phi Alpha brothers exemplify excellence and dedication in their respective roles, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s narrative.

In this exploration, we delve into the impressive roster Alpha Phi Alpha’s 21 brothers, unraveling the significant roles they play in contributing to the Biden-Harris legacy.

Don Cravins

Donald “Don” R. Cravins, Jr. serves as the first Under Secretary for the U.S. Department of Commerce — Minority Business Development where he leads the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) in its service of the nation’s 9.7 million minority business enterprises. After more than 52 years in existence, in 2021 President Biden signed the Minority Business Development Act of 2021 expanding and making permanent MBDA as the United States’ newest federal agency. Under Secretary Cravins was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate on August 4, 2022. In addition to his current role, Don is a United States Army Major in the District of Columbia Army National Guard Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps.

In 2004, he was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives and in 2006 elected to the Louisiana State Senate. While in the Louisiana Legislature, he represented hundreds of businesses —many were minority-owned, and many located in rural communities. Following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Mr. Cravins served as a voice and champion for business owners, assisting with navigating the challenges related to recovery and rebuilding. In January 2009, Mr. Cravins left the Louisiana Legislature to serve as Staff Director and Chief Counsel for the United States Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, where he played a vital role in the successful passage of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. In January 2013, he became the Chief of Staff to United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu of Louisiana. At that time, he was the only African American Chief of Staff in the United States Senate.

Since leaving the United States Senate in 2015, Mr. Cravins has served in key executive positions for some of America’s largest non-profit and for-profit corporations, including the National Urban League where he most recently served as its Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. As one of the Nation’s preeminent Civil Rights Organizations, Mr. Cravins led the National Urban League’s entrepreneurial initiatives and spearheaded its corporate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program. His awards and military decorations include two Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal. He is a Spring 1991 Nu Psi chapter initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Don is a graduate of Louisiana State University, and he received his Juris Doctorate from Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, LA.

Gregory Jackson Jr. 

Gregory Jackson Jr. is the Deputy Director of The White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Special Assistant to the President. In this role, Greg oversees efforts to implement federal law, identify new executive actions, expand partnerships, and improve services for those traumatized by the crisis of gun violence. As a gun violence survivor, gun violence prevention is personal for him. This experience and recovery propelled him into action, becoming a leading voice on gun violence prevention for Black and Brown communities. Prior to joining the White House Gregory served as the executive director of Community Justice, an advocacy non-profit organization working to advance policies to address gun violence in Black and Brown communities. In this role, he led the advocacy efforts that secured over $12 billion in public funding for gun violence prevention and passed the first gun violence law in 30 years, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Before dedicating his life to gun violence prevention, Greg worked as a community organizer through various roles, including Co-Chair of DC for Obama; Field Director at Obama for America, North Carolina; Southern Regional Director at Organizing for Action; and National Field Director at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, where he ran the largest midterm election voter registration program in US History. He is a Fall 2004 Iota Beta chapter initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Greg is a University of Virginia graduate. 

Kamau M. Marshall

Kamau Mandela Marshall currently is a Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Education to Dr. Miguel Cardona, U.S. Secretary of Education, while also serving within the office of communications and outreach, working on national critical issues, ranging from student debt relief, affirmative action, and book bans, while working closely with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), amongst other issues. Previously, he served at The White House as the Deputy Assistant United States Trade Representative (USTR) for Media and Public Affairs and as a Spokesperson within the Executive Office of the President. Prior to his Presidential Appointment he served as a Senior Advisor and Spokesperson for the 59th Presidential Inaugural Committee, overseeing leadership communications and outreach for the CEO and Co-Chairs. Kamau served as the Director of Strategic Communications for the 2020 “Biden for President” campaign, from launch in April 2019 through victory in November 2020. Before joining the Biden campaign, he worked at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, where he was a team member that won back the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018 for the first time since 2006, flipping the most seats from red to blue since 1974, working directly with the late Congressman John Lewis (GA). Kamau got his start on Capitol Hill working for U.S. Senator Tom Carper (DE), where he also became a Truman National Security Scholar. He also worked for the late Rep. Elijah Cummings (MD) and Rep. Al Green (TX). He served in the Obama-Biden Administration as a speechwriter and communications advisor at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Kamau also worked on the Obama-Biden 2012 re-election campaign team and in the private sector at SKDK, a public affairs and political consulting firm. He is a Spring 2010 Delta Theta chapter initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Kamau is a graduate of Texas Southern University, located in Houston, TX.

Marvin B. Figueroa

Marvin B. Figueroa currently serves as the Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler of California. Previously, Figueroa served as the Director of the Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs (IEA) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), where he provided key counsel to Secretary Xavier Becerra, focusing on strengthening intergovernmental and external partnerships to advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s health and human services priorities. Before his role at HHS, Figueroa served as Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Resources in the Administration of Governor Ralph S. Northam, the 73rd Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, where he helped manage a consortium of 12 health and social services agencies that collectively touch the lives of close to one-in-four Virginians. During the 2020 Virginia General Assembly legislative session, he played a pivotal role in the passage of legislation that advanced healthcare, criminal justice, and other equity efforts through the Virginia General Assembly. He has also served in the United States Senate as Senior Advisor to U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner of Virginia where he advised the Senator on Medicare, Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, and other health care issues. He is originally from La Ceiba, Honduras (a proud Garifuna). He is a Spring 2005 Kappa Theta chapter initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Marvin earned his master’s degree from Harvard University and is a graduate of Vanderbilt University. 

Roosevelt Holmes

Roosevelt Holmes currently serves as a Senior Advisor in the White House Office of the National Cyber Director.  He came to the Office of the National Cyber Director from the U.S. Department of Commerce where he served as Deputy Director of the Office of the Business Liaison. Prior to his Presidential Appointment to the U.S. Department of Commerce, he was the Southern Region Coalitions Director for the Biden-Harris campaign and served on the Agency Review Team for the Department of Justice Transition Team. Roosevelt has extensive experience in the development and management of political, legislative, and grassroots campaigns. He worked on Democratic campaigns on multiple levels including President Obama’s 2008 campaign and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer’s 2012 and 2015 reelection campaigns and served as the Political Director for the 2018 Florida Gubernatorial campaign — while also holding the roles of Interim Executive Director, and Senior Advisor to the Florida Democratic Party. In addition, he worked for the Florida Senate, Office of Congresswoman Kathy Castor, and the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Education and the Workforce under Congressman Bobby Scott. He also worked at the United Negro College Fund within the Government Affairs and Public Policy Department. He is a Spring 2019 Delta Xi Lambda chapter initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Roosevelt is a graduate of University of Central Florida.

B. Cameron Webb

Dr. Cameron Webb served from January 20, 2021, until September 2, 2023, as Senior Advisor in The White House Office of COVID-19 Response. He came to the White House COVID-19 Response Team from the University of Virginia, where he was an Assistant Professor of Medicine and Public Health Sciences and the Director of Health Policy and Equity for the University’s School of Medicine. Prior to his Presidential Appointment to The White House, he was the Democratic Nominee for United States Congress in Virginia’s Fifth Congressional District in 2020. Cameron is passionate about working at the intersection of health and social justice, and has worked at the local, state, and federal levels to design, execute, and advocate for policies and interventions that can redress health and healthcare disparities. A physician and lawyer, Webb continues to work clinically at the University of Virginia as a hospitalist while also teaching and leading research on health policy and health equity. He is a Fall 2003 Iota Beta chapter initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He is a University of Virginia graduate, and he received his Doctor of Medicine from the Wake Forest School of Medicine, and a Juris Doctor from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. 

Jimmy Anderson

Jimmy Anderson is the former Director of Veterans Engagement at The White House. He championed the unity agenda of the Biden-Harris Administration, led public engagement efforts to the veterans and military community and built support for the passage of the signature PACT Act. Prior to The White House, he served as Special Advisor and Deputy White House Liaison to the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Jimmy is a combat veteran who last served on active duty as a Deputy Division Chief at U.S. Air Forces Central Command and he continues to serve as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force Reserve based at the Pentagon. Jimmy was a Fulbright scholar in Canada and Visiting Fellow at the Centre for International and Defense Policy where he focused on Canada-China relations. He is a Term Member with the Council on Foreign Relations, and previously held fellowships with the Center for a New American Security and Truman National Security Project. Jimmy led efforts to unite veterans, the military community, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Hosting the White House’s inaugural HBCU student veterans and cadets forum, he amplified the President’s support for black service members and veterans by emphasizing historic investments in educational equity through HBCUs. Jimmy further shaped the VA Secretary’s HBCU engagement strategy and orchestrated the first-ever visit to meet with HBCU Presidents in South Carolina. He is a Fall 2020 Omicron Iota Lambda chapter initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Jimmy holds master’s degrees from Queen’s University in Canada and American University. He is a graduate from the University of South Carolina.

Silas Woods III

Silas Woods III joined the Biden-Harris Administration in February 2021. Currently, he is the Press Assistant in The White House Press Office. His responsibilities include facilitating the movements and engagement of the press corps in their coverage of President Joe Biden. He subsequently served in the Office of the Counsel to Vice President Kamala Harris, rising to the position of Associate Director of Research before departing to assume his current position in the Executive Office of the President. Woods worked as a political researcher, first for American Bridge 21st Century, a not-for-profit political research organization, and then for the Democratic National Committee in support of the 2020 Biden-Harris campaign. He is a Spring 2015 Beta chapter initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. A native of Chicago, IL Silas is a Howard University graduate. 

Wesley B. Swanzy

Wesley B. Swanzy is a Biden-Harris Political Appointee, serving as the Chief of Staff to the Chief Financial Officer at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). In this role, he oversees critical financial management aspects for a vast organization with over 100,000 employees and significant assets and spending. His career includes diverse roles in national security, defense, and banking, and he has previously worked at UBS Financial Services. As an Air Force veteran and current Reservist, Swanzy has over a decade of military service in various regions and capacities, including as a Congressional Liaison at the Pentagon. He is a Spring 2009 Xi Beta chapter initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Wesley is a Troy University graduate, and he has a masters from Columbia University Business School.

Exodie C. Roe III:

Exodie C. Roe III currently serves as Associate Administrator for the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) at the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). Prior to his Presidential Appointment to GSA, he was the Director of Policy and External Affairs for the Congressional Black Caucus under former Chairwoman Karen Bass, now Mayor Bass of Los Angeles. As a senior government executive, Roe has a proven track record of working with the public and private sectors to shape political strategy, strategic communications, regulatory issues, advocacy engagement, business development, supplier diversity, and public policy. He is a Spring 2004 Beta Phi chapter initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Roe is a graduate of Dillard University, New Orleans.

Michael Collins

Michael Collins served as Chief of Staff and Floor Assistant to Congressman John Lewis (GA) for almost 20 years, directing the work of the Congressional staff in Washington and in Atlanta, managing long-term legislative plans and acting as the primary liaison for constituents and various interest groups. Following the Congressman’s passing in 2020, Michael was tapped to serve in The White House as Special Assistant to President Biden and Director of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs for Vice President Kamala Harris. He now serves as Director of Policy and Government Affairs for Starbucks Corporation. Michael has served on the board for the Faith and Politics Institute. He is a Spring 2009 Mu Lambda chapter initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Michael is a Morehouse College graduate and he received master’s degrees from Emory University and Boston College.

Nicholas Johnson

Nicholas Johnson currently serves as the House Director in the Bureau of the Office of Legislative Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. He directs a team, advises senior leadership, and interacts with the U.S. Congress. Prior to joining the Biden-Harris Administration, Nicholas served as Senior Advisor to the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives, Clerk to the Committee on Homeland Security, and held many roles including Legislative Assistant to Congressman Al Green of Houston, Texas. During his time on Capitol Hill, Nicholas assisted Rep. Green with legislation related to many issues including national security and police brutality. He is a Summer 2023 Alpha Eta Lambda chapter initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Nicholas is a graduate of Morehouse College.

David Jones Jr.

David Jones Jr. currently serves as the White House Liaison at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In this capacity, he manages the agency’s presidential appointment portfolio and spearheads the recruitment and selection of political appointments for key departmental leadership positions. Before serving as a Presidential appointee in the Biden-Harris Administration, David served as a Mayoral appointee for Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser. He held various roles, including Senior Advisor to the director of the District Department of Transportation, Head of Community Engagement, and Senior Associate Director in the Executive Office of the Mayor. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, David’s professional journey began in corporate America, as an International Sales Manager at DHL Express, managing a multi-million-dollar supply chain portfolio. Before that, David worked as a Development Officer at Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland. In 2016, David was elected to a 2-year term as an ANC Commissioner in Washington, DC, where he represented a majority black underserved district. He is a Fall 2008 Alpha Phi chapter initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. David is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University and has a masters from the University of the District of Columbia. 

Yvesner Zamar

Yvesner Zamar is the Special Assistant to the Chair of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, Rochelle M. Garza, who is the youngest person to serve in that capacity. Prior to joining the Administration, he served as the Legislative Director for Freshmen Congressman Jonathan Jackson, the son of civil rights advocate, Jessie Jackson and Godson of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., establishing his legislative agenda to address his priorities of advancing social justice, combating gun violence, increasing access to healthcare, providing economic stability, and expanding business equity. Zamar served as the Senior Legislative Assistant for then Congresswoman, now U.S. Secretary of Interior, Deb Haaland, one of the 1st Native American women elected to Congress. He also served as Legislative Counsel to the late Congressman John Conyers Jr., the former Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, first Black Dean of Congress, and the Co-Founder of the Congressional Black Caucus. He is a Fall 2003 Iota Delta chapter initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Zamar is a Florida State University graduate.

Dwight J. Lacy

Dwight J. Lacy is an Attorney Advisor at The White House within the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), Office of the General Counsel. Lacy has gained experience advising the Director of ONDCP on the development of the National Drug Control Strategy, coordination of Executive Order Equity Action plans, and serves as the Deputy Agency Ethics Official. He began his career in government at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where he coordinated nationwide investigations of Food Safety violations, assessed civil penalties to promote compliance, and developed criminal referrals to the Department of Justice, Assistant United States Attorney’s Office. He is a Spring 2007 Epsilon Chi chapter initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Lacy is a University of Kentucky graduate.

Trevor D. Jones

Trevor D. Jones serves as the White House Liaison for the U.S. General Service Administration (GSA) under the Biden-Harris Administration. As the White House Liaison, he serves as the primary advisor to the White House and GSA senior leadership on policy and operational matters pertaining to the appointment process for Schedule C and non-career executive personnel of the agency, as well as manages priority projects within the Office of the Administrator. Prior to joining GSA, Trevor was the Director of the Office of the President at EMILY’s List, under the leadership of now-U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler (D-CA). Trevor began his career in the U.S. House of Representatives, working on operational and legislative issues for several Members of Congress, including Assistant Democratic Leader and Congressman James Clyburn of South Carolina, Congresswoman Kathy Castor of Florida, and Congressman Jerry McNerney of California. In December 2023, Trevor will earn a Master of Public Administration from American University. Trevor is a Spring 2014 Tau Eta chapter initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. A native of Orangeburg, South Carolina, Trevor is a graduate of the College of Charleston.

Preston Hardge

Preston Hardge is a Senior Advisor at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). At the SBA, Preston’s focus includes managing SBA’s Entrepreneurial Development policy portfolio that include programs targeting underestimated communities, with a focus on disabled, rural, minority and women-owned entrepreneurs. Previously, Preston served as a Regional Organizing Director for the Georgia Coordinated Campaign during the 2020 presidential campaign cycle and held legislative and outreach roles with the State of Illinois and the City of Kansas City, Missouri. He is a Spring 2013 Mu Delta Lambda chapter initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. A native of Texas, Preston is a graduate from Hampton University and the University of Illinois-Springfield.

Garrett McDaniel

Garrett McDaniel currently serves as the Director of Executive Scheduling and Operations for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Prior to joining HUD, Garrett was a public servant representing his hometown of Laurens County, SC as a member of the county council. He also served as state Political Director for then-candidate Pete Buttigieg’s 2020 presidential campaign and in multiple leadership roles for economic development engines within the state of South Carolina. He is a Spring 2007 Beta Delta chapter initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Garrett is a South Carolina State University and New Jersey Institute of Technology graduate.

Laterrious “Tony” Starks

Major Laterrious “Tony” Starks, originally from Dallas, TX, has served in the military for over 13 years, currently serving as the first White House Social Aide Program Manager. In this role, Major Starks advises on and executes social and ceremonial events for the President and First Lady. Most recently, he served as a Legislative Liaison and Congressional Defense Fellow, where he provided policy guidance to Members of Congress and senior military officials. Prior to his time in Washington, DC, Major Starks was stationed across the world, including in Germany and South Korea, where he held roles managing a staff of 4,000 soldiers, commanding the Army’s only military linguist company, and ensuring mission preparedness as a Human Resource Officer. Parallel to his military endeavors, Major Starks has continued his education, holding a Bachelor of Science in Political Science, a Master of Arts in Legal Studies, a Master of Professional Studies in Legislative Affairs, and is currently a doctoral candidate in Organizational Leadership and Conflict Resolution. He is a Spring 2009 Iota Mu chapter initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Major Starks is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University. 

Noah Harris

Noah Harris currently serves as a Confidential Assistant in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) at The White House. Previously, Harris served as Legislative Director in the Office of Congressman Bennie Thompson. While attending Harvard University, Harris was elected the first Black male student body president in Harvard’s 386-year history. Harris was also chosen as a Truman Scholar for his commitment to public service and delivered the 371st Harvard Commencement Address entitled “The Caged Bird Sings.” Harris is the author of the children’s book Successville, which teaches kids they can do anything in life if they are willing to work hard in school, set goals, and develop talents. He is a Spring 2023 Mu Lambda chapter initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. A native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Harris graduated from Harvard University with a Bachelor of Arts in Government in 2022.

Elliot Doomes

Elliot Doomes serves as the Commissioner of the Public Buildings Service (PBS) at the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). He is the first African American to be appointed as PBS Commissioner in the 74-year history of the GSA and is currently responsible for managing the largest real estate portfolio in the United States. As PBS Commissioner, he manages the nationwide asset management, design, construction, leasing, building management and disposal of approximately 360 million square feet of government-owned and leased space across the United States and six territories. Doomes joined GSA as a Regional Administrator for the National Capital Region in January 2023 after nearly 20 years of experience in the U.S. House of Representatives. In Congress, Doomes was the key liaison on GSA matters for both House Authorizing and Appropriations Committees where his principal responsibility was to advise Committee Members on GSA’s real property activities. Doomes began his career in the office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC). His signature staff work included passage of the Federal and District of Columbia Real Property Act of 2006, which executed a complicated land exchange between the District of Columbia, GSA, the National Park Service, and the Architect of the Capitol that has enabled hundreds of millions of dollars of economic development within the District of Columbia. He is a Spring 2002 Omicron Lambda Alpha chapter initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Doomes earned a Juris Doctorate from the Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, DC and is a Morehouse College graduate.

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