Brown Selected as KP’s New Athletic Director

Gary Brown has all the credentials and the experience for King Philip Regional to continue as a force in athletics. The Warriors’ new athletic director also possesses a style and a philosophy that no doubt will benefit KP’s students, athletes and coaches.
The 42-year-old Brown, who’s currently the Associate Athletic Director at Harvard University, officially will become KP’s athletic director on July 1. A graduate of Millis High where he played soccer and basketball, he later earned his bachelor’s degree from Springfield College, majoring in sports management.
Before joining Harvard’s athletic staff, Brown worked for Host Communications, an affiliate of the National Hockey League, as its event director. He oversaw functions that ranged from banquets to hockey games. After two years in that role, Brown became director of operations for the Mass. Amateur Sports Foundation, which stages the winter and summer Bay State Games.
He coordinated the coaching staff, the officials and medical personnel for the Bay State Games and later worked as an assistant soccer coach at M.I.T.
Brown, who’s lived in Franklin for the last 14 years with his wife and three sons, has been on Harvard’s staff in a variety of roles. During his nine-year career with the Crimson, he’s been associate athletic director, assistant athletic director and manager of recreational services. In his associate A.D. role, Brown oversaw the recreation department, club and intramural sports, aquatics, was liaison to the A.D. and was on site for 6-10 varsity sports.
“Athletics should be an extension of the classroom,’’ Brown emphasized. “Competing in sports builds character and helps students develop leadership skills. Valuable life lessons can be learned, like working as a team, displaying sportsmanship, managing time and overcoming adversity. My style will be to build and foster relationships that allow our coaches to coach and be good teachers and role models.’’
Brown, who underwent three interviews that included administrators, coaches and faculty members, was appointed in late March. He emphasized that he was “very selective’’ in his desire to become a high school A.D.
“After nine years at Harvard, I wanted an opportunity where I could make a bigger impact on student development,’’ he said. “I wanted to be at a school that excelled in academics and athletics, and I wanted to be associated with a quality administration. I knew early on that KP fulfilled those roles and it was confirmed in my interviews. I want to thank Superintendent Elizabeth Zielinski and Principal Lisa Mobley for the opportunity and the honor to be KP’s athletic director.’’
As for his eventual exit from Harvard, Brown called his experience in Cambridge “fortunate and rewarding.’’
“I was fortunate to work with outstanding staff members and coaches to ensure that students experience a positive educational opportunity,’’ he noted. “It was rewarding to work together to see true students on campus striving for excellence in academics and athletics.’’
Brown, who rates communication skills highly, said he wants to be readily available in an effort to promote an open-door policy where he can meet with as many coaches, students, and parents as possible. “The key to success for an A.D. is to be able to communicate and to be a leader and role model for students,’’ he emphasized. “I want KP student-athletes to be role models for my kids and for the entire KP community.’’
Living in nearby Franklin, Brown is acutely aware of the challenge KP athletes face competing in the Hockomock League. He’s also familiar with the Warriors’ recent successes — Super Bowl champions, state champs in softball and Hockomock League co-champions in baseball. “Competing in the Hockomock League is great preparation for the tourney season,’’ Brown said. “And, KP’s competitive excellence in the league is established and it’s linked to the coaches being educators first, teaching and stressing life lessons. Those things lead to producing good citizens.’’
Brown will succeed Steve Schairer, who’s retiring after 10 years. And, although he’s well-versed in communications, event management, budgeting and scheduling, Brown is delighted the personable Schairer will be available to ensure a smooth transition.
“I’m hoping for a smooth transition,’’ Brown said. “I’m fortunate to be taking over for Steve who’s been a tremendous leader, built a great culture, developed excellent relationships and taught life lessons. I’m lucky to have him as a resource and to be able to reach out to him.’’
Brown’s job change has also altered his commute, now much more friendly. And, he views Franklin to Wrentham instead of Franklin to Cambridge as a plus on another front. “The change will allow my wife (Amy) and sons (Connor, 11; Cameron, 9; and Carson, 6) to attend events at KP and be involved,’’ Brown said. “I’m also anticipating some good-natured kidding at KP about my Franklin connection. All I can say is that I love my town and I love my school.’’
Calling his parents (Alice and Wayne) roles models for their support and encouragement, Brown appears very willing to help student-athletes by demonstrating those two attributes. He’s impressed with KP because “its administrators, teachers and coaches have stayed true to the school’s mission.’’
Gary Brown has superb credentials to be KP’s athletic chief, but, more importantly, he’s got the right stuff — an ability to help student-athletes become well-rounded individuals and learn valuable life lessons.