On May 2nd, Scott Brown, former US Senator and US Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa; known as a builder of political bridges with expertise in both the public and private sector, addressed the Rotary Club of Nashua regarding his more than 30 years of experience as a diplomat, senator, military officer, trade negotiator and bestselling author. Ambassador Brown reached the top of the New York Times Best Sellers List with his powerful memoir, Against All Odds: My Life of Hardship, Fast Breaks and Second Chances. The former Senator is a 9th generation son of the American Revolution out of Newington NH.
Ambassador Brown’s career in public service
- Assessor and Selectman for the Town of Wrentham, Massachusetts.
- Massachusetts State Representative for the 9th Norfolk District for seven years
- State Senator for the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District for five.
- Almost 4 decades as enlisted and officer ranked for the Massachusetts and Maryland National Guard.
- Retired as a Colonel after three years as the Deputy to the Chief Counsel, to the Chief of the National Guard Bureau at the Pentagon.
Ambassador Brown’s career in the private sector
- Worked for the Boston law firm Nixon Peabody, LLP.
- Serving on numerous boards to include Board of Directors and as an advisor to 1st Alliance Lending, LLP.
- Contributor and occasional host on FOX and has appeared on FOX National News and FOX Business.
Ambassador Brown spoke about his focus on China’s expansionism in the Indo-Pacific region, enhancing trade opportunities, strengthening the United States’ “Five Eyes” relationship in New Zealand, and expanding cooperation in the Antarctic. He talked extensively about being an Ambassador to New Zealand and using his love for music as a connection for building bonds and friendships with other political figures.
Scott Brown has been very involved as a coach over the years and is currently coaching track at Rye Junior High. He told a personal story about growing up with abuse and getting in trouble with the law at an early age. Drinking, driving, and stealing his mom’s car at the age of 12. He was caught stealing records and the judge asked him how his younger step siblings, who looked up to him, would feel visiting him in jail and the impact that would have on them. Getting caught stealing records he says changed his life. He believes that’s why he is so involved with kids, he understands the troubles they go through at home and in life. Scott and his wife Gail have two daughters: Ayla Brown, Season 5 Finalist of American Idol, Co-Host of Country 102.5 in Boston, MA and Dr. Arianna Brown, head veterinarian at Portsmouth Veterinary Clinic in Portsmouth, NH and mother to their granddaughter Cecilia Gayle. They have owned property in Rye for over 31 years and has been back full time in New Hampshire since 2012.
A brief Q&A followed.