(R-NY), who, in 2006, was also the chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee. Early life and career Fordham got his start in politics as an intern for his congressman, 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 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.” Fordham's Orchestration of Mark Foley's Resignation Fordham, with a decade-plus working relationship with Foley, and close personal friends of Foley and his sister, emerged as a central player in the events leading up to the Congressman's resignation. When ABC news was about to break the story on Foley's instant messages, Fordham offered ABC News a deal, asking that they delay publishing explicit messages from Foley to pages, in exchange for an exclusive story on Foley's resignation. After it became public, Fordham was then instrumental in working with his boss, Rep. Tom Reynolds, in arranging Foley's resignation. Fordham noted