Joe Forte

Joe Forte (born May 3, 1990) is a public servant from New Jersey. He currently serves as Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief Diversity Officer at the New Jersey Department of State. Forte's role encompasses overseeing various departments, facilitating communication strategies, and nurturing a culture of inclusivity.

Career and contributions

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 oversaw 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 work spanned areas such as telecommunications, innovation economy, higher education, and workforce development.

Education

Forte holds a Master of Public Administration and a certificate in Strategic Communications from Rutgers University. 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 graduated cum laude from Rider University with a Bachelor of Arts, where he also earned a certificate in leadership development. He holds an Associate of Arts degree from Raritan Valley Community College and is pursuing a certificate in Human Resource Management from Drexel University.

Expertise and recognition

Forte has authored publications, appeared as a guest on podcasts, and contributed to various political campaigns. He served as Co-Event-Chair for U.S. President Joe Biden's Presidential Inaugural Committee National Day of Service Event, and received awards such as Business Equality Magazine's 40 under 40 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. An advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, he was recognized through his inclusion in "N.J.'s LGBT Power List" for consecutive years.

Community engagement

Forte is involved in community service and advocacy. Roles he has taken on include 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). Forte also serves as Vice-Chair of the New Jersey LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus and contributes 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.