FieldAR2023OnlineAll11.13 - Magazine - Page 22
ALUMNI
Making
a
Dif f erence
Discovering Passions and Finding Balance
Sam Schear ’08
Juggling can be chaotic for some, but balancing for others. Sam Schear ‘08 credits The Field School for his
ability to manage multiple projects and roles. "I love having a lot of things on my plate that are different,
unrelated, but all interesting to me. At Field, you could be learning ancient Latin, participating in Model UN,
running track, learning about civics, and creating ceramics—all in one day or one week."
Sam continues to balance seemingly unrelated passions as a
father, a brewery owner, a real estate developer, and a member of
multiple charity boards. After earning his BA in History and Judaic
Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, he found his diverse
interest leading him on an exciting journey to find his niche. He
spent nine years in foreign policy, focusing on the Middle East.
When he knew he wanted to start a family, he began searching
for a career that offered more flexibility and balance. As Covid-19
emerged, he joined a consulting group working alongside the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on communications
and emergency fundraising. This did not equate to the anticipated
balance, but he learned much from the experience.
Sam eventually found his way to Korn Ferry, where he is working
in real estate and senior-level recruiting, which allows him to
utilize his talents as a connector and a people person. He also
started a brewery, Hudson Valley Brewery. Six years in, the
brewery has multiple collaborations with New York chefs and is
beginning to be distributed up and down the East Coast. He also
remains involved in the Hil-El from his alma mater, the University
of Pennsylvania, and serves on the board of AIPAC.
"I love that I am still geting to do many new things. I can't be tied to one thing for too long.
Field helped me get comfortable with that. It doesn't have to be a cookie-cuter template. I've
loved that, and it helps energize me,”
~Sam Schear ‘08
Now living in New York City with his wife, Danielle, and their son Levi, Sam loves his ongoing connections with
other Field alums. Whether it is visiting his weekly hang out with long-time friend Alex Winkleman '08 or
wandering down to Nora Allen's '08 bakery, Mel the Bakery, his Field connections have been an excellent anchor
in his life.