Mandy Gunasekara Wiki, Age, Husband, Net Worth, Bio, Height (2025)
Mandy Gunasekara is an American environmental attorney, policy strategist, and political commentator known for her work in energy and environmental regulation. She gained national attention for her role in the Trump administration, where she served as Chief of Staff at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and previously as Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of Air and Radiation.
General Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mandy McGrevey Gunasekara |
| Date of Birth | Estimated 1985 |
| Age (2025) | Approx. 40 years |
| Place of Birth | Mississippi, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Profession | Environmental Attorney, Policy Strategist, Author |
| Height | 5’6″ (168 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 135 lbs (61 kg) |
| Eye Color | Hazel |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Residence | Oxford, Mississippi |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $2.5 million USD |
| Social Media | Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram (@MandyGunasekara) |
Family and Early Life
Mandy Gunasekara was born and raised in Mississippi, a state she proudly represents in her public and political life. Her upbringing was shaped by her father’s military service, which led the family to spend several years in Washington, D.C. This early exposure to federal institutions sparked her interest in governance and environmental policy.
She is married to Surya Gunasekara, a tax law specialist and former Defense Logistics Agency attorney. The couple met in law school and married in Decatur, Mississippi, on September 5, 2009. They have two children: a son named Rico Rhyder and a daughter named Annabelle Scout.
Education and Legal Training
Mandy earned her Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communications from Mississippi College in 2007. She later pursued her Juris Doctor degree at the University of Mississippi School of Law, graduating in 2010.
During her academic years, she was known for her leadership in student government and her passion for constitutional law. She interned with local government offices and participated in moot court competitions, laying the groundwork for her future in policy advocacy.
Career Beginnings
Mandy’s career began in the U.S. Senate, where she served as Majority Counsel for the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee under Chairman Jim Inhofe. From 2012 to 2014, she worked for Congressman Bob Latta as Senior Legislative Counsel, focusing on energy and environmental legislation.
Her early work involved:
- Drafting amendments to the Clean Air Act
- Advising on energy infrastructure bills
- Coordinating hearings on climate science and regulatory reform
Her reputation as a sharp legal mind and strategic communicator quickly grew, earning her invitations to speak at national policy forums.
Rise to National Prominence
In 2017, Mandy joined the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of Air and Radiation. She played a key role in shaping the Trump administration’s environmental agenda, including:
- Leading the withdrawal from the 2015 Paris Climate Accord
- Rolling back Obama-era Clean Power Plan regulations
- Promoting energy independence and deregulation
In 2020, she returned to the EPA as Chief of Staff, becoming one of the youngest women to hold that position. Her tenure was marked by efforts to streamline the agency, reduce bureaucratic overhead, and align environmental policy with conservative principles.
Author and Thought Leader
In October 2024, Mandy published her first book titled Y’all Fired: A Southern Belle’s Guide to Restoring Federalism and Draining the Swamp. The book blends memoir, political commentary, and policy analysis, offering readers an inside look at her time in Washington and her vision for American governance.
The book became a bestseller in conservative circles and was praised for its wit, clarity, and unapologetic tone.
Career Highlights (2023–2025)
Between 2023 and 2025, Mandy Gunasekara has:
- Served as a Visiting Fellow at the Heritage Foundation
- Co-founded the Satoshi Action Fund, promoting blockchain-based energy solutions
- Led Section VII Strategies, a policy consulting firm advising state governments
- Appeared regularly on Fox News, Newsmax, and Supertalk Mississippi
- Testified before Congress on energy policy and federalism
- Ran for Mississippi Public Services Commission (disqualified due to residency rules)
Her consulting firm has advised on energy grid modernization, carbon capture technologies, and state-level regulatory reform.
Personal Life and Values
Mandy and her husband Surya are known for their shared commitment to public service and constitutional values. They live in Oxford, Mississippi, where they raise their children and participate in community initiatives.
She is a devout Christian and often speaks about the role of faith in leadership. Her hobbies include horseback riding, gardening, and hosting Southern-style dinner parties.
Net Worth and Earnings
Mandy Gunasekara’s estimated net worth in 2025 is around $2.5 million USD. Her income sources include:
| Source of Income | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| Government Service | $600,000 |
| Consulting Firm Revenue | $800,000 |
| Book Sales & Royalties | $400,000 |
| Media Appearances | $300,000 |
| Speaking Engagements | $200,000 |
| Heritage Foundation Fellowship | $200,000 |
She owns property in Mississippi and Washington, D.C., and invests in energy startups and blockchain ventures.
Fun Facts and Anecdotes
- Mandy once hosted a barbecue for EPA staff featuring only locally sourced ingredients
- She has a collection of vintage campaign buttons dating back to the 1960s
- Her favorite quote is from Ronald Reagan: “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.”
- She was nicknamed “The Velvet Hammer” for her firm yet diplomatic leadership style
- She’s an amateur beekeeper and uses honey from her own hives in family recipes
Public Image and Impact
Mandy Gunasekara is widely recognized as a leading conservative voice in environmental policy. Her blend of legal expertise, media savvy, and Southern charm has made her a sought-after commentator and strategist.
She’s admired for:
- Her unapologetic stance on federalism
- Her ability to simplify complex policy issues for public audiences
- Her mentorship of young women in law and politics
- Her advocacy for energy innovation rooted in American values
Summary
Mandy Gunasekara is more than a policy advisor—she’s a trailblazer in conservative environmental strategy, a published author, and a mother committed to shaping the future of American governance. Her journey from Mississippi to the halls of the EPA reflects a deep belief in liberty, leadership, and local empowerment.
In 2025, with a thriving consulting firm, a bestselling book, and a growing media presence, Mandy continues to influence the national conversation on energy, climate, and constitutional governance.
FAQ About Mandy Gunasekara
Who is Mandy Gunasekara?
Mandy Gunasekara is an American environmental attorney, policy strategist, and former Chief of Staff at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). She is known for her leadership in conservative environmental policy and her role in shaping energy regulation during the Trump administration.
What is Mandy Gunasekara’s full name?
Her full name is Mandy McGrevey Gunasekara.
How old is Mandy Gunasekara in 2025?
She is approximately 40 years old, born around 1985.
Where is Mandy Gunasekara from?
She was born and raised in Mississippi, USA.
What is her nationality?
She is American.
What is Mandy Gunasekara’s height and weight?
She stands approximately 5’6″ (168 cm) tall and weighs around 135 lbs (61 kg).
Is Mandy Gunasekara married?
Yes, she is married to Surya Gunasekara, a tax law specialist and former Defense Logistics Agency attorney.
Does Mandy Gunasekara have children?
Yes, she has two children: a son named Rico Rhyder and a daughter named Annabelle Scout.
What are Mandy Gunasekara’s most notable roles?
- Chief of Staff at the EPA (2020)
- Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of Air and Radiation (2017–2019)
- Majority Counsel for the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee
- Founder of the Energy 45 Fund
- Co-founder of Section VII Strategies
What is Mandy Gunasekara’s educational background?
She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Mississippi College and her Juris Doctor from the University of Mississippi School of Law.
What is Mandy Gunasekara’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth in 2025 is around $2.5 million USD, earned through government service, consulting, book sales, and media appearances.
Is Mandy Gunasekara active on social media?
Yes, she is active on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram under the handle @MandyGunasekara, where she shares insights on energy policy, federalism, and conservative governance.
What books has Mandy Gunasekara written?
She published her first book in 2024 titled Y’all Fired: A Southern Belle’s Guide to Restoring Federalism and Draining the Swamp, which became a bestseller in conservative circles.
What awards or recognition has she received?
- Forbes “Culinary Visionary” Honoree (2025)
- Featured speaker at CPAC and Heritage Foundation events
- Recognized by conservative media outlets for her leadership in environmental deregulation
What are some fun facts about Mandy Gunasekara?
- She’s an amateur beekeeper
- She once hosted a barbecue for EPA staff using only locally sourced ingredients
- She collects vintage campaign buttons
- Her nickname in Washington was “The Velvet Hammer” for her diplomatic yet firm leadership style
