Brewster, James Walter, 1960-

Ambassador James (Wally) Brewster is an internationally recognized executive, political leader, human rights activist, and motivational speaker. Ambassador Brewster is currently the CEO of Insignias Global, a strategy firm representing top CEOs and political leaders around the globe.

Most recently, he served as the United States Ambassador to the Dominican Republic. Sworn into office on November 26, 2013 during the administration of President Barack Obama, his appointment - which was unanimously confirmed by the Senate - made history when he became the first openly gay Ambassador to serve the United States in the Western Hemisphere alongside his husband, Author Bob J. Satawake.

Ambassador Brewster’s political, strategic, and policy expertise is credited for making landmark and unprecedented diplomatic and societal advancements - all despite the well documented obstacles that consistently challenged his efforts.

From exposing corruption, to advancing the rights of the marginalized, to changing the landscape of equality in Latin America – the Ambassador's dedicated work with multiple governments is responsible for accomplishing critical initiatives during his term, included protecting the rights of the stateless population of Haitian descent in the Dominican Republic, advocating equal representation for LGBTQ individuals, exposing the human trafficking of women and young girls, and increasing the awareness of gender-based violence.

Ambassador Brewster has been recognized for his successful leadership in spearheading policies and negotiations that have led to key advancements in environmental laws, public health programs, indictment of corrupt foreign officials, trade policy, international immigration laws, and enforcement of drug policies against international drug cartels. He was a top negotiator for multiple agreements and treaties between the U.S. and foreign governments.

As an expert in Latin America and the Caribbean business and political communities, he had a positive and significant impact on trade between the U.S. and countries in the Western Hemisphere. His knowledge of NAFTA, CAFTA, HELP and HOPE in addition to Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and trade policy has made the Ambassador a top resource for international companies and leaders of foreign governments.

Prior to his position as a U.S. Ambassador, the Ambassador was the managing partner of SB&K Global, an executive strategy firm specializing in consumer dynamics, political and human rights advocacy and reputation management, and Officer/Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications for General Growth Properties, the country’s second largest Shopping Mall REIT with over 250 shopping malls worldwide.

Having served as a diplomat, chief executive and corporate leader, he has a deep understanding of how consumerism and cultural dynamics impact international business and development. Through his robust political and professional experiences, Ambassador Brewster has proven to be an innovator and leading expert in the areas of international politics, trade, government relations, business strategy, diplomacy, crisis communication, global retail and product development, consumer evolution, market intelligence, positioning and branding.

Ambassador Brewster continues to promote democracy around the world, meeting with leaders in Western Europe and Latin America while serving on the Advisory Boards of the Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA), National Democratic Institute - Ambassador’s Circle (NDI), and The Atlantic Council - Ambassador Leadership Council.

He is also an active leader in advancing the rights and freedom of all individuals, including having served as the National Co-Chair of the LGBT Leadership Council for the Democratic National Committee and the National LGBT Co-Chair of the Obama 2012 Re-Elect Campaign. He has also been involved with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) for more than 30 years and served on its National Board of Directors. In addition, the Ambassador was the National Co-Chair of the Obama Leadership Circle, as well as a Presidential Partner and National Finance Committee member.

A native of Lindale, Texas, Ambassador Brewster received his education in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing at Tyler Junior College and Texas A&M University.