Answer 1 - Modify gnome shortcut to open correct directory
It is possible to modify shortcuts in Gnome using the gconf-editor, which you may or may not need to install by running the following command.
yum install gconf-editor
After starting the program you will go to apps > metacity > keybinding_commands as seen in the image below.

Next you will select an unused or modify an existing shortcuts "value' to the following:
gnome-terminal --working-directory=/path/to/dir
This will not source your .profile, but it will ensure the shortcut opens in the appropriate directory.
Answer 2 - Change default working directory in Gnome
It is possible to modify default working directory in Gnome using the gconftool-2, which you may or may not need to install by running the following command.
yum install gconftool-2
Then run the following as your user to fix the current session
gconftool-2 --set --type=bool /apps/nautilus-open-terminal/desktop_opens_home_dir true
Then as root, run the following command to make this take effect on login
gconftool-2 --direct --config-source xml:readwrite:/etc/gconf/gconf.xml.defaults --set --type=bool /apps/nautilus-open-terminal/desktop_opens_home_dir true
Sources
ANSWER-1 nixtutor.com - Adding Custom Shortcuts to Gnome
ANSWER-2 redhat.com - How do I change the "default working" directory of terminal applications