CONTACT:     Matthew Rounsley, Executive Aide to Commissioner Fournier, 360-280-5394 or email at matthew.rounsley@co.thurston.wa.us

OLYMPIA – Today, Thurston County Commissioner Wayne Fournier (District 4) announced the addition of Tenino High School alumnus, Matthew Rounsley, as his executive aide. Rounsley will be responsible for management of the commissioner’s schedule, legislative analysis to brief the commissioner, and organizing constituent engagement opportunities.

“Through the creation of District 4, south Thurston now has a bigger seat at the table and I wanted to find someone who has knowledge of and commitment to my district and south Thurston County. Mr. Rounsley is exactly who I was looking for,” said Commissioner Fournier. He added, “Matthew has shown his commitment to Thurston County and Tenino through his volunteer and advocacy work. I am ready for us to use this new seat to amplify the voices of south Thurston County and pursue beneficial influence for constituents.”

Before joining Commissioner Fournier’s team, Rounsley worked as staff assistant to Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) in her district office, where he developed the daily briefing book for the congresswoman, as well as supported the Outreach and Constituent Services team.

After earning his Associates of Arts from Centralia College, Rounsley completed his Bachelor of Arts in Public Affairs from Washington State University, where he attended on the Community College President’s Award.

Rounsley got his start in public affairs work in 2017 serving as a State Officer for Washington FFA where he traveled the state advocating for agricultural education in schools, private industry, and in the state legislature. In 2020, as a legislative intern for the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, he helped pass major pieces of legislation reducing barriers for low-income students in the higher education system.  

“As a product of south Thurston County myself, growing up and graduating from Tenino, I know how important representation for the area is and I am inspired by Commissioner Fournier’s commitment to the community and his desire to continue that important work,” Rounsley said. “I am excited to be supporting him in his focus of strengthening south Thurston County.”

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