leadership

Charles J. Fogarty
Director of Policy

With more than 25 years experience in the intricacies of government gained through his work as a policy advisor, legislative leader and executive in state government, Charles J. Fogarty has an understanding of public policy issues and the legislative process second to none. Serving as Rhode Island's lieutenant governor from 1999 until 2007, he transformed the office into an active, policy-driven operation that delivered results in areas ranging from health care to small business and emergency management. He earned the reputation as a hardworking, effective leader who successfully took on complex issues, built coalitions and enacted major legislation all while earning the respect of Rhode Islanders. In 2006, as a candidate for governor, he nearly upset the popular incumbent in the closest governor's race in the nation.

Prior to his election as lieutenant governor, Fogarty served eight years in the state senate including six years in leadership positions, first as majority whip and later as senate president pro tempore. During this time at the Rhode Island State House, Fogarty worked to professionalize senate operations by creating a policy office and expanding the fiscal office. He authored numerous pieces of landmark legislation including the Health Care Quality Reporting Act, the Rhode Island College Savings Program and the Government Accountability and Reform Act, among others, and became a nationally recognized expert on long-term healthcare issues.

In addition to his leadership at the state level, Fogarty held leadership positions with national governmental organizations: he chaired the National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA) from 2002 through 2003 and the Democratic Lt. Governors Association (DLGA) from 2005 through 2006; he was a charter member of the National Legislative Commission on Prescription Drug Pricing; and he served on the board of directors of the State Legislative Leaders Foundation (SLLF) and the Senate Presidents' Forum. Fogarty was a member of the executive committee of the Council of State Governments (CSG) at both the national and regional levels.

Fogarty gained knowledge about the operations of government having served as a policy advisor and director of policy for several statewide officials, including a Governor, a Lieutenant Governor and a State Treasurer.

Fogarty’s academic record includes an undergraduate degree from Providence College (RI) and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Rhode Island. In addition to Charles' responsibilities at the Mayforth Group, he also maintains a faculty position at Johnson and Wales University (RI).

Active in civic affairs, Fogarty currently serves on the board of several nonprofit organizations in the state. He is the recipient of numerous awards from national and state organizations for his leadership and advocacy on such issues as health care, the environment, small business and the military.