Collin O'Rourke
Outreach Specialist
Center for Financial Security
Email: cmorourke@wisc.edu
(608) 890-0229
Collin O’Rourke is an outreach specialist with the Center for Financial Security. He is responsible for developing and disseminating information about the Center’s research to the public, practitioners, policy makers, and academics through a variety of communication strategies (including brochures, newsletters, webinars, video clips for websites, and podcasts). Collin supports special events, seminars, and workshops on and off campus highlighting CFS supported work. He also manages, collects, and analyzes data from community organizations related to CFS research.
In 2009, Collin graduated with a master’s degree from UW-Madison’s La Follette School of Public Affairs, where he focused on policy analysis and program evaluation. He worked for Faculty Director J. Michael Collins as a project assistant during his time at La Follette. Collin graduated from UW-Madison with a BA in 2008. He majored in sociology and legal studies and completed a certificate in criminal justice.
In July 2009, Collin was appointed to the Lake County, IL Board, which represents about 750,000 residents. Collin represented District 8, which encompasses much of his hometown of Waukegan, IL. He served on the board until December 2010. He was a member of the Planning, Building, and Zoning Committee and the Public Building Commission. Collin also served as a commissioner for the Lake County Forest Preserve District. He was a member of the District’s Education, Cultural Resources and Public Affairs Committee. During his time on the Lake County Board, Collin continued to collaborate with CFS faculty and affiliates on a range of projects.