He served for eight years as an elected member of the Cobb County Board of Education, including terms as Chairman and Vice Chairman. In April 2019, Governor Brian P. Kemp appointed him to the Georgia State Board of Education, where he represented Georgia's 6th Congressional District and, following redistricting, the 11th Congressional District. In January 2020, Sweeney was elected Chairman of the State Board of Education. Following his service as Chairman, Sweeney chaired the State Board's District Flexibility and Charter Schools Committee.

In February 2025, Governor Kemp appointed Sweeney to the State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia, where he continued his longstanding commitment to expanding educational opportunities for Georgia students. 

"The State Charter Schools Commission mourns the loss of Commissioner Sweeney. He will be remembered as a champion of excellence in public education in all its forms, from traditional district schools to charter schools," said SCSC Chair Cayanna Good, Ph.D. "It was both a personal and professional honor for the Commission Board, staff, and charter school community to work alongside Commissioner Sweeney. His leadership, thoughtfulness, and collegiality will be deeply missed."

Beyond his service in education, Sweeney served as a Senior Business Advisor at InPrime Legal, an East Cobb business law firm, and held leadership roles with the Georgia School Boards Association and the Cobb Chamber of Commerce. Across every role he held, he was known for his steady leadership, thoughtful counsel, deep institutional knowledge, and unwavering commitment to Georgia's students.

Commissioner Sweeney is survived by his wife of 28 years, Sandy, and their two sons, Gabe and Jake.