Five Questions with Capt. Joseph Finnerty

This month’s employee profile is with Captain Joseph Finnerty, recruiting officer with UGA’s Air Force ROTC. Learn about Joseph’s role at UGA, his career path in politics and in the Air Force, and what he likes to do outside of the office. Also, if Joseph ever invites you over for a game of poker, you might want to run …


Q – Can you tell us about your current role and responsibilities with UGA’s Air Force ROTC? What does your day to day look like?

A – As an Air Force ROTC instructor, I help shape the next generation of Air Force officers. My job is all about mentorship, leadership development, and preparing cadets for the real-world challenges of military service. Mornings start early with physical training, where cadets are led through workouts designed to keep them sharp and meet Air Force fitness standards. Then, it’s off to the classroom, where I dive into topics like military history, leadership, and Air Force operations. I also spend time mentoring cadets one-on-one, helping them navigate career goals and grow into strong, capable leaders. Afternoons bring leadership labs, team-building exercises, and hands-on training in everything from drill and ceremony to strategic problem-solving. Behind the scenes, I also manage program logistics, coordinate with academic institutions, and support recruitment efforts to keep our pipeline of future officers strong.

Q – What has your career path been like, and what led you to UGA?

A – It all started at Charleston Southern University, where I double-majored in political science and criminal justice. From there, I dove into the world of public affairs, earning my Master of Public Administration at UGA’s School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) in 2015. With a passion for public service and politics, I set out to put my education into action. The 2016 election cycle had me hitting the ground running—first as a regional field director for a presidential campaign, then as a campaign manager for a congressional race in South Carolina. However, I wanted to serve in a bigger way, so in 2017, I took the leap and joined the Air Force through Officer Training School. That decision sent me to Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico for three years, followed by four years at Robins Air Force Base here in Georgia. Now, life has come full circle, bringing me back to UGA—this time, as an instructor for the ROTC program.

Q – Are you working on any new or upcoming programs/projects in AF ROTC that you are excited about?

A – Right now, we’re gearing up for our annual golf tournament fundraiser, a fantastic event that brings together cadets, alumni, and community supporters to raise funds for our program. If you are interested in helping to support our cadets and have fun golfing, consider signing up for our tournament in March! We are also expanding our outreach by organizing JROTC events, giving high school students a firsthand look at what it means to be a leader in the Air Force. Additionally, we are developing a brand-new, user-friendly website to make it easier for cadets, prospective students, and their families to find important resources and connect with the detachment. New projects are constantly arising as a big part of our training here at Det 160 is to empower our cadets with project/program management skills where we help guide them through the cradle to grave of project management.

Q – What do you like to do outside of the office? Are you involved in any organizations around Athens, or do you have any favorite hobbies?


A – You can usually find me out on the golf course or cheering on all the UGA sports teams—Go Dawgs! I love hiking the trails in north Georgia as it’s a great way to recharge and enjoy some fresh air. I’m also a big fan of checking out local restaurants and discovering new favorite spots to eat as Athens is great for finding new food and local restaurants to try.

Q – And last, do you have any fun facts your coworkers might not know about you?

A – Before joining the military, I had some unique experiences—including being ranked #238 in the world for online poker and competing in the World Series of Poker, facing off against some of the game’s top professionals. I also had the incredible opportunity to work with Seoul, South Korea’s government on local policy initiatives, exchanging ideas on urban development and governance. One of my proudest moments in golf was making an eagle on a par 4, but I’m still on the hunt for that elusive hole-in-one!


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