Dr. Brian Matthew Faughnan

Brian was an introspective and loving son, brother, uncle, partner, and colleague. Brian was the middle child of three boys. He had a passion and love for Latin American cultures, books, photography, ballet, and democracy. Brian was an avid gym-goer and tennis fan - he enjoyed going to the Citi (then) Tennis Tournament each year in Washington, DC and was a member of the Capital Tennis Association. At a young age, Brian’s parents started bribing him with dessert if he ordered his meals in Spanish from a local restaurant.

Spanish language was one of the continuous through lines in Brian’s life. He graduated in 2007 from Kennesaw State University with a bachelor’s degree in International Affairs and was awarded a Ph.D. in Political Science from Vanderbilt University in 2013. While at Kennesaw, Brian studied abroad in Monterrey, Mexico, where he made numerous life-long friends. At Vanderbilt University, he was an Affiliate of The Latin American Public Opinion Project (LAPOP), the prestigious research think tank founded by Dr. Mitchell Seligson, and was a member of the Institute for Coffee Studies. Brian’s dissertation research and field work focused on the intersection of the Colombian coffee industry and its impact on democratic values, which afforded him the enjoyment of two of his other pleasures, coffee and travel. During summer breaks from school, Brian worked at the Department of Defense’s Southern Command in Miami, FL. While in Nashville and Florida, Brian volunteered his time to assist non-native English speakers translate legal documents and helped them navigate complex bureaucratic immigration issues.

After graduation Brian moved to New York City, and in 2015 he settled in Washington, DC. His illustrious career included lending his expertise in New York at the Analytics Media Group, and fulfilling his love for teaching as a Political Science Lecturer at the George Washington University, in Washington, D.C. For the past decade Brian proudly worked as a diplomat on behalf of the U.S. Government. His work included numerous tours and temporary duty assignments across Central and South America. Brian, always thoughtful, would present a challenge coin to his loved ones after each assignment as an acknowledgement of the joint sacrifice that his loved ones endured for his work.

Brian’s other passion was photography, he would carry an analog (film) camera with him on all of his trips. Regularly he stopped to capture photos of buildings, art, and, often the interplay of light and shadows - a reoccurring theme in his life. Brian liked to shoot photos on film because it made him slow down and debate how best to capture the moment. One shot, one opportunity - and he never knew if he got it right until weeks or months later when the film was developed. He would encourage others that if they got 2 or 3 decent photos on a roll of 35 frames that it was worth it - to keep shooting. Brian loved that his camera not only made him slow down and view the world differently; his cameras gave him a topic of discussion with strangers. Brian certainly felt more comfortable behind the lens of the camera.

Although he never bragged, Brian scored at least fully proficient on the Foreign Service Officer language test each time he took it. However, afterwards he often had colorful commentary on his language evaluator. Brian was regularly spotted reading a book in Spanish in the work cafeteria, at a cafe, or at home by candlelight. To see Brian speak in Spanish and to live in Latin America - was to know Brian. His personality blossomed in these contexts, but his sarcasm and stubbornness persisted - even in Spanish.

Brian’s usual prickly attitude could easily be improved by providing him with candy; milk chocolate sweets were his preferred treat of choice. A staff member at work once commented on the quantity of candy wrappers in Brian’s trash bin. As a result, rather than change his sweet intake volume, Brian simply placed his candy wrappers in his colleagues’ trash cans after they left for the day. Of course, staying late to dispense of his candy wrappers was no problem for Brian; he was dedicated to his work and the mission - willing to sacrifice, no matter the cost.

Brian’s final assignment was in Monterrey, Mexico, the place he had studied during his undergraduate years. He celebrated completing two (2) full years in Monterrey on June 16, 2025. Brian believed in breaking the diplomatic-bubble and meeting the locals. He regularly made it a point to visit the MARCO, Monterrey Ballet, and local shops when he was not working. He made friends with many reggios (Monterrey locals) by hosting or attending art shows and asadas (an event where meat is grilled, common in Monterrey).

Brian lived his work and proudly helped use soft power to influence positive change in the relationship between the U.S. and Mexico. Brian Matthew Faughnan, U.S. Vice Consul, died in the line of duty on July 9, 2025.

Brian is survived by his mother, Susan, his brothers Michael and Patrick (Lauren), and his nephews Cooper and Cole, and his significant other Daniel.

A celebration of life for Brian will be held Saturday, August 16, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Tanyard Creek Overlook, 4361 Cherokee St, Acworth, GA 30101. A committal service will occur Sunday, August 17, 2025 at Pineridge Memorial Park, 2950 North Cobb Pkwy, Kennesaw, GA 30152.