Joe Forte

As the Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief Diversity Officer at the New Jersey Department of State, Forte is part of the Communications team, Business Action Center, and the Cultural Trust. He oversees DEI initiatives, ensuring the integration of equitable practices throughout the department's policies, programs, and operations.

At the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the New Jersey Civil Service Commission, he championed outreach programs aimed at enhancing diversity within the state government workforce.

He was a Communications Officer at the CSC and was a Project Specialist in the Department of Cabinet Affairs, under the administration of Governor Phil Murphy.

Forte worked in the New Jersey Legislature, starting as an intern and becoming Chief of Staff for three legislative members. His expertise spanned critical areas such as telecommunications, innovation economy, higher education, and workforce development, contributing significantly to legislative affairs at federal, state, and local levels.

Joe Forte's comprehensive educational background underscores his commitment to continuous growth and excellence. He holds a Master of Public Administration and a certificate in Strategic Communications from Rutgers University.[2] At Northeastern University, he earned a Master of Science degree in International Affairs. He completed a certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree cum laude from Rider University, where he also earned a certificate in leadership development.[1] He holds an Associate of Arts degree from Raritan Valley Community College and is pursuing a certificate in Human Resource Management from Drexel University.

Joe's multifaceted skill set encompasses ethics, compliance, legislative affairs, strategic communications, and community outreach. He has authored publications, appeared as a guest on podcasts, and actively contributed to various political campaigns. Noteworthy recognitions include his role as Co-Event-Chair for U.S. President Joe Biden's Presidential Inaugural Committee National Day of Service Event and awards such as Business Equality Magazine's 40 under 40[2] and the Mercer County Democratic Committee's "Rising Star."

Joe's influence extends to being featured on Roi-nj.com's Leading figures in New Jersey's LGBTQ+ community.[1] He has also been consistently listed on InsiderNJ.com's "Millennials to Watch" and "Top 100 Millennials" in New Jersey Politics. His service to the LGBTQ+ community was recognized through his inclusion in "N.J.'s LGBT Power List" for consecutive years.

Forte is involved in community service and advocacy. He holds pivotal roles such as Chair of the Lawrence Township Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and President of the Public Sector Human Resources Association's New Jersey Chapter (PSHRA-NJ). Joe's influence further extends to serving as Vice-Chair of the New Jersey LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus[1] and contributing as a County Committee member to the Mercer County Democratic Committee.

Forte has served as a member of the Rider University Alumni Board of Directors and his prior position on the Zoning Board for Lawrence Township, Mercer County, New Jersey. He participates in outdoor activities such as hiking and traveling.