"With more than 34 years of government consulting experience, I wanted to join GCP to help local agencies solve problems, develop sustainable solutions, and provide better services to their citizens."
About Brad
J. Bradley Burgess is a distinguished expert in public sector finance and policy, bringing over 34 years of experience to his role as Principal at Government Consulting Partners, Inc. (GCP). Passionate about helping governments develop smart public policy, Brad has held leadership positions across consulting firms, healthcare organizations, and state government, where he has focused on full cost identification, sustainable solutions, and strategic partnerships. His career highlights include redesigning organizational structures, leading acquisitions, and advocating for local governments against unfunded mandates. At GCP, Brad applies his deep knowledge to empower cities and counties with creative, community-enhancing strategies that ensure long-term fiscal health and operational efficiency.
Career Highlights
2024 – present: Vice President, GCP
- Test Claims Expertise: Authored the Sonoma County AB 1638 Test Claim, filed in December 2025, and currently assisting Sacramento County with the development and filing of the AB 4 Test Claim, guiding jurisdictions through complex mandate reimbursement issues.
- Incorrect Reduction Claims (IRC): Supporting Riverside County with its Child Abduction and Recovery Incorrect Reduction Claim, helping protect approximately $3.7 million in potential state mandate funding.
- Internal Service Funds (ISF): Developed and expanded the firm’s Internal Service Fund practice, assisting multiple counties and cities in evaluating, documenting, and demystifying ISF programs to ensure defensible cost allocation and compliance.
- SB 90 & Cost Allocation Leadership: Provides hands on advisory support across SB 90 state mandate reimbursement claiming, Cost Allocation Plans (CAPs), and Indirect Cost Rate Proposals (ICRPs) translating statutory and regulatory requirements into practical, defensible funding solutions for local agencies.
2023 – 2024: Director of Strategic Partnerships, Sutter Health
- Responsible for mergers and acquisitions for the $7 billion organization.
- Developed strong internal and external partnership ecosystems stretching from Santa Barbara to the Oregon border.
- Assisted the organization in understanding California regulations and negotiations.
2007 – 2023: Executive Vice President, MGT Consulting, Inc.
- National Practice Leader for the Financial Services group.
- Redesigned the firm’s organization using a market-based approach.
- Served as one of three members of the firm’s executive leadership team and was on the board of directors for over a decade.
2003 – 2007: Founding Partner, Public Resource Management Group, LLC
- One of three founding partners of PRM, which focused solely on performing costing studies specifically for local government services.
- Led PRM to become the fastest-growing boutique firm serving local governments, providing user fee studies, cost allocation plans, and state mandate cost claims (SB90).
- Oversaw the firm's acquisition by MGT of America in 2007.
1999 – 2003: Vice President, Maximus
- Responsible for the firm’s SB90 practice and a staff of 15 consultants.
- Provided statewide leadership on mandated legislative advocacy, which protected local governments from unfunded state-mandated programs.
1990 – 1998: Vice President, David Griffith and Associates (DMG)
- Started as a Senior Consultant and concluded career with DMG as a Vice President.
- Worked with all 58 counties and over 160 cities.
1988 – 1990: Budget Analyst, State of Illinois, Bureau of the Budget
- Developed and managed the State of Illinois’ Transportation budget for Governor Jim Thompson and his executive staff.
Consulting Philosophy
Areas of Expertise
- Full cost identification for government clients
- State mandate cost claiming in California
- Partnering with internal and external experts to solve public sector financial and policy challenges
- Developing creative solutions that enhance communities
- Project Management
- Executive Communications & Presentations
Education
- Master of Public Policy Studies, University of Chicago
- Bachelor of Journalism, University of Missouri