Wally Brewster is new ambassador to Dominican Republic

WASHINGTON — The Senate unanimously confirmed on Thursday Chicago business executive and Obama mega-fund-raiser James “Wally” Brewster to be the next ambassador to the Dominican Republic.

“I was proud to support Wally Brewster’s confirmation to be the next U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic, and I am pleased that my colleagues in the Senate unanimously agree,” Sen. Dick Durbin D-Ill. said in a statement.

“In a meeting in my office after his nomination, Wally reminded me that he has been visiting the Dominican Republic for many years, often spending extended periods of time there. His understanding of and appreciation for the country and its people were evident. I know that his unique understanding of the Dominican Republic, of our shared interests, and of our future as partners in trade and in security will help to strengthen the ties of our two nations,” Durbin said.

When Obama nominated him for the spot in June, Brewster was the senior managing partner for SB&K Global, a marketing consulting firm in Chicago.

Brewster has a home in the Dominican Republic. Brewster is a National LGBT Co-Chair for the Democratic National Committee and is on the Board of the Human Rights Campaign fund. Brewster was one of Obama’s very top “bundlers” during the 2012 re-election campaign, using his own networks to raise donations from other contributors for the Obama/Biden ticket.

Brewster and his partner, Bob Satawake have been major Democratic activists and fund-raisers for a variety of candidates. According to a list released by the Obama 2012 campaign, Brewster and Satawake raised more than $500,000 for the re-election drive.