Episode 13: Sara O'Rourke

In this episode Sara O'Rourke, Chief of Staff and Head of Operations for the CHIPS Investment Office chats with Nidhi Arora. She provides an in-depth analysis of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. Sara discusses the pivotal role of semiconductors in America's economic and national security and outlines the innovative strategies of the CHIPS program, which manages over $50 billion in federal investment to revitalize U.S. semiconductor manufacturing.

Sara O’Rourke began her career with impactful work in education and women's economic empowerment in the Middle East, leading her to address significant challenges. At McKinsey, she spent nearly a decade driving financial and operational transformations for businesses and government agencies, co-founding the Center for Reinvesting in America to leverage federal investments in infrastructure, clean energy, and technology. Sara holds a bachelor's degree in social studies from Harvard and a master's in international affairs and finance from Johns Hopkins.

Discussion Points

• Sara discusses the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, focusing on its impact on the U.S. semiconductor industry and the program's unique team approach to maximize federal investment.
• Investments in the semiconductor supply chain include major deals like Intel and Brookfield, and investments in companies such as Micron, Intel, TSMC, and Samsung.
• The CHIPS office is also supporting companies like Global Foundries and Microchip, and projects like advanced packaging with Lipsalix.
• The CHIPS office targets 20% leading-edge production in the U.S., emphasizing job creation and workforce challenges.
• The program follows milestone-based funding and private capital to encourage larger investments in semiconductor manufacturing.
• The CHIPS office's collaborative approach integrates policy experts, industry veterans, and intelligence professionals to advance U.S. semiconductor capabilities.

For More Information

Sara O’Rourke LinkedIn

Nidhi Arora LinkedIn