Ralph Forsht oversees the internal operations of First Focus and works closely with the First Focus team on all policy matters in the areas of children’s health, education, federal budget and family tax policies. Forsht joined First Focus in 2006 and is responsible for leading all internal budget planning and reporting. Forsht also oversees First Focus’s federal budget agenda and helps with its state partnerships.

Forsht previously worked at America’s Promise and served previously as its Vice President, Federal and State Government Relations, where he and his colleagues worked to secure federal, state and local government funds to support both America’s Promise and their community and statewide promise partners. In this capacity, Forsht also led the effort to launch relationships with 10 bipartisan governors.

Previously, Forsht served as Director of Legislative Affairs at The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA), an organization dedicated to protecting the benefits of retired enlisted military personnel. He also started and lead TREA’s Political Action Committee. Prior to joining TREA, he worked as a Legislative Assistant for the Air Force Association. Forsht began his career on Capitol Hill as a Senate Budget Committee staffer for U.S. Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM).

Forsht holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from Virginia Tech. He lives in Potomac Falls, VA with his wife and three young boys.