Graduate Archer Fellowship Program Alumni Profiles
Gordon Rooney
Fall 2008 Archer Fellow Internship: U.S. House Judiciary Committee Education The University of Texas at Austin Bachelor of Arts in Government, May 2010 The University of Michigan Master of Public Affairs, May 2020 The Ohio State University Master of Business Operational Excellence, December 2024 Career Public Sector Consultant at Guidehouse |
"Being part of such an engaged and impactful Archer Fellow alumni community inspires me to pursue meaningful work and contribute to my community and country. What I value most is the lifelong network of supportive, passionate individuals committed to public service."
Q & A with Gordon
Please tell us more about your current position.
In my full-time, professional role with Guidehouse, I operate within the firm’s state and local government (SLG) practice. Guidehouse is a leading global provider of consulting services to the public sector and commercial markets, with broad management, technology, and risk consulting capabilities. My day-to-day focus is on helping clients in the public sector address their most complex challenges, with a focus on transformational change, business resiliency, and technology-driven innovation. Within SLG, our clients are typically state agencies, counties, cities, school districts, and public university systems. Through various projects and engagements, I've worked closely with state and local governments to develop and implement policy initiatives related to the American Rescue Plan Act, the CARES Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the Inflation Reduction Act. I've helped state governments prioritize and allocate billions in funding, ensuring these policies align with immediate community needs and long-term strategic goals.
The following are two examples of services I've provided. For the South Carolina Department of Administration (SCDOA), I led multiple teams in managing the distribution of $1.9 billion in COVID-19 relief funds. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) provided critical support for towns, cities, special purpose districts, hospitals, universities, colleges, and state agencies. The process included receiving, evaluating, approving, and compliance-checking reimbursement requests. Our team successfully processed thousands of requests and completed the allocation of funds to all eligible applicants in under six months. For the South Carolina State Housing Finance & Development Authority (SC Housing), I co-led a team providing “surge support” for SC Housing on the SC Stay Program for rental and mortgage relief. With support made available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the SC Department of Commerce, approximately $25 million in CARES Act funding was made available to eligible low-income families in South Carolina. Managing the process included determining eligible, ineligible, and potentially fraudulent applications and providing daily guidance for 31 processing agencies throughout the state, overseeing initial reviews of SC Stay applications from all 46 counties. For this project, my colleagues and I utilized Salesforce as our online grants management platform, tailoring it to meet the client's needs.
Please tell us more about your Archer Fellowship Program internship.
As an Archer Fellow, I had the incredible opportunity to intern with the U.S. House Judiciary Committee. In this role, I supported committee staff by conducting research, attending hearings, preparing committee materials, responding to and screening phone calls, leading U.S. Capitol tours, preparing daily news clippings for the ranking member, and other duties. The House Judiciary Committee typically has two undergraduate interns and one law clerk. During my internship experience, I was the Judiciary Committee's sole intern. Therefore, I probably benefited from regular requests for support from committee staff. Walking by the U.S. Capitol each morning on my way to the Rayburn House Building never got old. My internship was a challenging yet rewarding experience.
What has been your general career path?
My career has primarily focused on public service through roles in government, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector. From a young age, I was encouraged to get involved and help better communities where I lived. Many of my morals, values, and motivations are a direct result of my upbringing. The emphasis my parents placed on public service had a profound impact on my personal growth. Growing up on military bases, I was surrounded by men and women who lived their lives through the principle of “service before self.” Beginning with my experience as an Archer Fellow, I've had a genuine interest in policy and advocacy. Over the past few years, I've worked in management consulting with a focus on improving government operations.
How has your experience as an Archer Fellow influenced your career path and goals?
My experience as an Archer Fellow enhanced my interest in civic affairs and provided unique opportunities that influenced my career path and goals. The lessons learned (from Katie Romano, Jen Sarver, and Dr. John Daly, to name just a few) continue to influence my career path, and the network gained as an Archer Fellow has helped my career goals in numerous ways. The Archer Fellowship was transformative in shaping my career in public service. My internship with the U.S. House Judiciary Committee exposed me to policy-making at the highest level. It gave me a deeper understanding of how public policy affects everyday lives and inspired me to pursue roles where I could make a tangible impact. My experience as an Archer Fellow continues to inform my professional goals, which center on improving public systems and supporting communities.
What did you value the most about your Archer Fellowship Program experience?
I look back on my Archer Fellowship experience very fondly. What I valued the most was building connections and making new friends with the other Fall 2008 Archer Fellows. These wonderful people have all gone on to do incredible work in their respective professions. Writing this reminds me that I'm overdue to catch up with many of these alumni!
What do you value the most about being an alumnus?
Being part of such an engaged and impactful Archer Fellow alumni community inspires me to pursue meaningful work and contribute to my community and country. What I value most is the lifelong network of supportive, passionate individuals committed to public service. The connections I've made through the Archer Fellowship Program have not only enriched my personal and professional life but have also opened doors for collaboration and mentorship. The Archer Fellowship experience has shaped my perspective on leadership and public service, and I carry those lessons with me in every endeavor. Through the Archer Fellowship Alumni Association, I look forward to continued engagement and finding ways to support the important work of the Archer Center.
What is your favorite memory as an Archer Fellow?
Two memories immediately come to mind. First, Dr. Joel Swerdlow held a class at the Jefferson Memorial one evening, and I remember being inspired by a combination of his lecture and the venue. The second memory that comes to mind is when Dr. Daly held a class in a congressional hearing room while lecturing about advocacy and politics. I think these two memories represent why the Archer Fellowship is so special.
Please tell us more about your current position.
In my full-time, professional role with Guidehouse, I operate within the firm’s state and local government (SLG) practice. Guidehouse is a leading global provider of consulting services to the public sector and commercial markets, with broad management, technology, and risk consulting capabilities. My day-to-day focus is on helping clients in the public sector address their most complex challenges, with a focus on transformational change, business resiliency, and technology-driven innovation. Within SLG, our clients are typically state agencies, counties, cities, school districts, and public university systems. Through various projects and engagements, I've worked closely with state and local governments to develop and implement policy initiatives related to the American Rescue Plan Act, the CARES Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the Inflation Reduction Act. I've helped state governments prioritize and allocate billions in funding, ensuring these policies align with immediate community needs and long-term strategic goals.
The following are two examples of services I've provided. For the South Carolina Department of Administration (SCDOA), I led multiple teams in managing the distribution of $1.9 billion in COVID-19 relief funds. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) provided critical support for towns, cities, special purpose districts, hospitals, universities, colleges, and state agencies. The process included receiving, evaluating, approving, and compliance-checking reimbursement requests. Our team successfully processed thousands of requests and completed the allocation of funds to all eligible applicants in under six months. For the South Carolina State Housing Finance & Development Authority (SC Housing), I co-led a team providing “surge support” for SC Housing on the SC Stay Program for rental and mortgage relief. With support made available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the SC Department of Commerce, approximately $25 million in CARES Act funding was made available to eligible low-income families in South Carolina. Managing the process included determining eligible, ineligible, and potentially fraudulent applications and providing daily guidance for 31 processing agencies throughout the state, overseeing initial reviews of SC Stay applications from all 46 counties. For this project, my colleagues and I utilized Salesforce as our online grants management platform, tailoring it to meet the client's needs.
Please tell us more about your Archer Fellowship Program internship.
As an Archer Fellow, I had the incredible opportunity to intern with the U.S. House Judiciary Committee. In this role, I supported committee staff by conducting research, attending hearings, preparing committee materials, responding to and screening phone calls, leading U.S. Capitol tours, preparing daily news clippings for the ranking member, and other duties. The House Judiciary Committee typically has two undergraduate interns and one law clerk. During my internship experience, I was the Judiciary Committee's sole intern. Therefore, I probably benefited from regular requests for support from committee staff. Walking by the U.S. Capitol each morning on my way to the Rayburn House Building never got old. My internship was a challenging yet rewarding experience.
What has been your general career path?
My career has primarily focused on public service through roles in government, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector. From a young age, I was encouraged to get involved and help better communities where I lived. Many of my morals, values, and motivations are a direct result of my upbringing. The emphasis my parents placed on public service had a profound impact on my personal growth. Growing up on military bases, I was surrounded by men and women who lived their lives through the principle of “service before self.” Beginning with my experience as an Archer Fellow, I've had a genuine interest in policy and advocacy. Over the past few years, I've worked in management consulting with a focus on improving government operations.
How has your experience as an Archer Fellow influenced your career path and goals?
My experience as an Archer Fellow enhanced my interest in civic affairs and provided unique opportunities that influenced my career path and goals. The lessons learned (from Katie Romano, Jen Sarver, and Dr. John Daly, to name just a few) continue to influence my career path, and the network gained as an Archer Fellow has helped my career goals in numerous ways. The Archer Fellowship was transformative in shaping my career in public service. My internship with the U.S. House Judiciary Committee exposed me to policy-making at the highest level. It gave me a deeper understanding of how public policy affects everyday lives and inspired me to pursue roles where I could make a tangible impact. My experience as an Archer Fellow continues to inform my professional goals, which center on improving public systems and supporting communities.
What did you value the most about your Archer Fellowship Program experience?
I look back on my Archer Fellowship experience very fondly. What I valued the most was building connections and making new friends with the other Fall 2008 Archer Fellows. These wonderful people have all gone on to do incredible work in their respective professions. Writing this reminds me that I'm overdue to catch up with many of these alumni!
What do you value the most about being an alumnus?
Being part of such an engaged and impactful Archer Fellow alumni community inspires me to pursue meaningful work and contribute to my community and country. What I value most is the lifelong network of supportive, passionate individuals committed to public service. The connections I've made through the Archer Fellowship Program have not only enriched my personal and professional life but have also opened doors for collaboration and mentorship. The Archer Fellowship experience has shaped my perspective on leadership and public service, and I carry those lessons with me in every endeavor. Through the Archer Fellowship Alumni Association, I look forward to continued engagement and finding ways to support the important work of the Archer Center.
What is your favorite memory as an Archer Fellow?
Two memories immediately come to mind. First, Dr. Joel Swerdlow held a class at the Jefferson Memorial one evening, and I remember being inspired by a combination of his lecture and the venue. The second memory that comes to mind is when Dr. Daly held a class in a congressional hearing room while lecturing about advocacy and politics. I think these two memories represent why the Archer Fellowship is so special.