Tess McArdle is a Research Analyst in the Higher Education Practice, where she partners with directors and managing directors to identify and pursue strategic funding opportunities for clients. She supports research, developing client deliverables, and creating internal resources that strengthen the team’s capabilities.
Before joining McAllister & Quinn, Tess gained experience at FINN Partners’ Global Education Practice, first as an Intern and later as an Account Coordinator. She supported K–12 and higher education clients by securing media coverage, analyzing news trends, and contributing to thought‑leadership initiatives. During her time at FINN, she was selected as a Dean’s Intern by the American University School of Communication in recognition of her outstanding performance. Tess has also held a range of communications internships spanning healthcare public relations to digital fundraising. She earned her B.A. in Public Relations and Strategic Communication from American University in Washington, D.C.