Thurston County Commissioner Wayne Fournier appoints Matthew Rounsley as executive aide

On Monday, Thurston County Commissioner Wayne Fournier announced the appointment of Matthew Rounsley as his executive aide.  

Rounsley's responsibilities will include managing the commissioner's schedule, conducting legislative analysis to brief Commissioner Fournier, and organizing engagement opportunities with constituents. 

The decision to bring Rounsley on board was reportedly motivated by Fournier’s commitment to ensuring that south Thurston County has a robust voice in local governance.  

Commissioner Fournier expressed his satisfaction with the selection of Rounsley, a Tenino High alumnus, stating, "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."  

He emphasized Rounsley's commitment to Thurston County and Tenino through his volunteer and advocacy work, and his expressed eagerness to amplify the voices of south Thurston County for the benefit of constituents. 

Before joining Commissioner Fournier's team, Rounsley served as a staff assistant to Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) in her district office.  

In this role, he developed daily briefing materials for the congresswoman and supported the Outreach and Constituent Services team. 

Rounsley holds an associate degree from Centralia College and a bachelor’s in public affairs from Washington State University, which he attended under WSU’s Community College President's Award transfer program. 

His involvement in public affairs began in 2017, when he served as a state officer for Future Farmers of America advocating for agricultural education across the state.  

In 2020, as a legislative intern for the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, Rounsley contributed to the passage of legislation aimed at 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 stated. "I am excited to be supporting him in his focus of strengthening south Thurston County."