Sam A. Scales is the VP, Director of Federal Affairs for Brown-Forman. In this role Sam is responsible for leading Brown-Forman’s public affairs efforts in Washington, D.C.

Sam joined Brown-Forman from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative where he served as the Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative (DAUSTR) for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement (IAPE). In this capacity, he served as the Agency’s primary liaison to the business community as well as state and local governments. He was also responsible for the management of USTR’s Trade Advisory Committees.

During his time at USTR, Scales managed the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Coalition as well as stakeholder engagement related to the successful conclusion of the U.S.-China Phase I Agreement and the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement. He was also integrally involved in outreach associated with the launch of the U.S.-U.K. Free Trade Agreement and USTR actions and reform efforts related to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and U.S. trade discussions with India and the European Union.

Prior to joining USTR, Scales was a Manager of Government Affairs at Ford Motor Company. At Ford, he focused on Congressional and Administration affairs, most notably on trade, environment, and safety policy. Scales also managed state and local affairs including economic development activities for Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant and Louisville Assembly Plant, the company’s largest manufacturing presence outside of Michigan. Before Ford, Scales served as the Coalitions Director on the Natural Resources Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives under Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT). In this role, he served as the Committee’s primary liaison to the business community and managed the Member Services portfolio. Before his time on Capitol Hill, Scales was a member of the lobbying team at Dentons US LLP, an international law firm.

Scales received his B.A. in Political Science from The Ohio State University. While at The Ohio State, he played for the University’s Men’s Soccer team. Following his final season, Scales was drafted to play professional soccer for Sporting Kansas City in the Major League Soccer (MLS).

Scales is originally from Louisville, Kentucky and currently lives in Washington, D.C.