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Rory O'Sullivan

Public Policy Professional

Rory O'Sullivan is a public policy professional currently working as a Program Officer at the Gates Foundation.13 In December 2024, O'Sullivan announced his campaign for Seattle City Attorney.5

Background and Education::

  • O'Sullivan holds a B.A. in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from Pomona College (2006) and a joint J.D./M.P.P. from Georgetown University (2011).4

Career and Activities::

  • Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: O'Sullivan is a Program Officer at the Gates Foundation, where he has worked on various education policy issues, from data systems to federal financial aid.1
  • Young Invincibles (YI): Before joining the Gates Foundation, O'Sullivan co-founded Young Invincibles, a national advocacy organization focused on expanding economic opportunity and political voice for young adults aged 18 to 34.1
  • Board Memberships: He serves on the board of directors for the Campaign for College Opportunity and the National Skills Coalition.14 He has been a member of the NSC's Board since 2014.4
  • Political Activities: In 2003, O’Sullivan helped found Washington Public Campaigns, an organization that originally worked to overturn the state law prohibiting using public funds for elections.2 In 2013, he chaired the campaign for a Seattle public funding measure and helped write the language for Seattle’s democracy voucher program.2
  • Legal Career: O’Sullivan has argued cases in front of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and the Washington State Supreme Court.2 He has taught law at Seattle University and the University of Washington.2 His legal work includes representing homeowners facing foreclosure at the Northwest Justice Project, providing free legal assistance to renters facing eviction as managing attorney at the Housing Justice Project, and serving as an administrative law judge.2 He later opened his own firm, Washington Employment Benefits Advocates, to focus on representing workers seeking unemployment insurance benefits.2
  • 2025 Seattle City Attorney Campaign: O’Sullivan is running for Seattle City Attorney, challenging the incumbent, Ann Davison. His platform includes police accountability measures, building out the Community Assisted Response & Engagement (CARE) team, and alternative responses.2

Highlights

Jan 2 · indeed.com
Senior Program Officer Salaries in the United States for Bill ... - Indeed
Dec 19 · theurbanist.org
Rory O'Sullivan Launches Progressive Challenge Against Seattle ...
Senior Program Officer, Strategic Partnerships, Digital Connectivity ...
Rory O'Sullivan - National Skills Coalition
Rory O'Sullivan - National Skills Coalition

Related Questions

What are some of the key education policy issues Rory O'Sullivan has worked on at the Gates Foundation?
How did Rory O'Sullivan's experience at Young Invincibles influence his work at the Gates Foundation?
What are Rory O'Sullivan's main goals if he becomes the Seattle City Attorney?
How has Rory O'Sullivan's career as a legal aid attorney shaped his approach to public service?
What specific measures does Rory O'Sullivan support for police accountability in Seattle?
Rory O'Sullivan
Rory O'Sullivan, photo 1
Rory O'Sullivan, photo 2
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Location

Washington, District of Columbia, United States