Stories of Leadership: Samuel Q. Brown

Samuel Q. Brown received a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from San Diego State University in 1996.

He was elected as the Viejas Tribal Treasurer in 2011. As Tribal Treasurer, Brown is responsible for tribal finances and cash management. His focus and approach includes creating a policy of transparency, trust and accountability.

Brown also represents the Tribe in the pursuit of economic development to ensure a sound financial future for generations to come. He is framing the groundwork for investments, using the tribe’s inherent sovereignty to develop tribally and jointly owned businesses. This charter will represent a blueprint for all future investments, creating a prosperous business environment on or off the reservation.

Brown enjoys spending time with his parents and daughter Isabella.

His hobbies include snow skiing, running half marathons and working out, believing running and working out not only maintains physical health and wellness, but also mental well-being.

What would you consider the highlight of your professional career?

The highlight of my career has been having an entire tribal nation of people to elect me as their treasurer. My proudest achievement has been having my daughter, Isabella.

What was your favorite college memory at SDSU?

Building relationships with my friends in class.

Who was your favorite professor and/or what was your favorite class?

My favorite professor was James Burns in engineering. My favorite class was Native Americans in Film, taught by  Alan Kilpatrick.

If you were to give current SDSU students some advice, what would you say?

Enjoy the time you’re in school, and align yourself with the right people.

What are you currently reading?

"Slight Edge" by Jeff Olsteen and Michael Crichton’s" Rising Sun."

What is your passion?

Going to the gym, running and staying in shape.

What is your motto?

Treat people the way you want to be treated.

If you won the lottery, what would you do with your winnings?

I would buy property because it’s a safe investment and I would leave it to my kids.

What trait do you value the most in friends and colleagues?

Trust and honesty and positive people.

If you knew you could not fail, what would you attempt?

I would want to become the best doctor I could possibly be and study geology.