Scott Neeson

It’s been seven years since Scott Neeson first set foot in Cambodia, and six since he moved to Phnom Penh. He originally came to Cambodia as part of a five-week backpacking trip through Southeast Asia, but found his life changed by the tableau of Steung Meanchey, and the desperate circumstances and unlikely courage of some of the country’s most impoverished children.

After a 26 year-career in the film business, including tenure as president of 20th Century Fox International, where he oversaw the release and marketing of several of the top films of all time – ‘Braveheart,’ ‘Titanic,’ ‘Star Wars’ and ‘X-men’ - Scott left the industry to establish and personally oversee Cambodian Children’s Fund as Executive Director.

In his words:

> My greatest triumph is seeing the metamorphosis of destitute and neglected children into wonderfully caring, and cared for, kids. It’s an endless source of surprise that they can adjust so quickly.

> I believe that every individual has the power to bring about massive change, good or bad.

> Other than my photographs, I don’t have many possessions that I cherish. But I do love my morning espresso. And green tea.

> We’re pretty informal around here. You’ll generally find me in a t-shirt (preferably with a collar to keep my neck out of the sun) and pants with lots of pockets. I wear boots for the field work, but per local custom, most of us go barefoot around the office.

> If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m in the place I was meant to be, at the time I was meant to be doing what I was meant to do. Alter any part of the path that led me here, and I might never have reached this point.

> The best part of the job is the kids. They’re what keep me going.