Megan O’Rourke is a scientist, labor advocate, and Jersey-born public servant whose life and career have been shaped by the values of hard work and community. Raised in Blairstown and educated at Cornell University, Megan went on to become a nationally respected climate and agricultural scientist, leading climate programs at USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture and overseeing nearly $200 million annually to support farmers, researchers, and rural communities. Known for her ability to make complex science accessible, colleagues often say she brings a “Bill Nye meets federal science” energy to her work.
Megan has also been a strong voice for workers. As a Union Steward with the American Federation of Government Employees, she championed employee rights under the ADA and FMLA, advocating for fair treatment, accessibility, and dignity in the workplace. In 2023, she served as a Brookings Fellow and senior advisor in Congress, gaining first hand insight into effective, bipartisan problem-solving.
A lifelong public servant and mother of three, Megan is committed to using her scientific expertise and her labor advocacy background to help strengthen the communities that raised her.
To learn more information, visit meganorourkeforcongress.com