She attended Boston University School of Management, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science with a finance concentration in 1983.

[5] During her eight-year tenure at Spalding, Rooney is credited with turning around an institution facing severe financial challenges, stabilizing the university and eliminating its debt.

In addition to her work as an administrator, Rooney also spent more than 12 years teaching graduate and undergraduate level courses.

[8] On September 29, 2010, the Obama Administration announced Rooney as the nominee for principal deputy under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness.

Barack Obama, a close, personal friend, was present at the ceremony, and commended her for her dedicated work for the country.

In September 2013, Rooney was nominated by the Obama Administration to serve as under secretary of the Navy, the second-highest position in the department.