Early Life and Career
Fordham is a graduate of Greece Olympia High School in Greece, N.Y. In 1990, he received a BA in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland, College Park.
He got his start in politics an intern for his congressman, one-term Republican Fred J. Eckert. He worked for then Rep. James Inhofe from 1990 to 1994 as his Legislative Director and Deputy Chief of Staff. In 1994 he managed the first congressional campaign of Foley, became his chief of staff, and worked with him for 10 years.
From January 2004 to January 2005 he served as the finance director for Senator Mel Martinez
In 2005, Fordham was National Field Director for the DCI Group, a public and government affairs firm with close ties to the Republican Party.
In December 2006, Fordham launched his own public affairs and government relations firm, called Rock Creek Strategies.
In January 2008, Fordham was hired as the new CEO of the Everglades Foundation, based in Miami, Florida.
On March 1, 2012, Gill Action announced Fordham as its new Executive Director. Upon hearing the news, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, chair of the Democratic National Committee, said: “Kirk practices a bi-partisan approach to problem-solving that has earned him the respect of many friends on both sides of the aisle. As we continue our march forward to protect the right of every LGBT person to enjoy every opportunity this nation has to offer, I look forward to working with Kirk to build on the progress that has been made by groups like Gill Action.”
Rick Palacio, chairman of the Colorado Democratic Party said: “As someone who has known and worked with him in Washington, I can say with confidence that Kirk is one of the most decent, honorable people one could work with–and a sharp political operative to boot. Kirk knows what Coloradans have always known, that lasting progress comes as a result of a collaborative process and desire for a common good. Tim Gill is fortunate to have him as part of his team.”
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