BPC Welcomes New Fellow Capri S. Cafaro

The Bipartisan Policy Center today announced that Capri S. Cafaro, former Ohio state senate Democratic leader and an Executive in Residence at American University, has joined the organization as a Fellow. In that role, Cafaro will provide her insights on a range of topics, including health care, infrastructure, and economic issues.

Throughout her career, Cafaro has an established track record of legislative effectiveness, leadership, advocacy for economic growth, and giving voice to the most vulnerable. Among her notable accomplishments in the Ohio state senate include passing laws—co-authored with Republicans—to establish Tourism Ohio to promote the state and grow its tourism economy, to reform the state Medicaid program, and to revise Ohio’s insurance prior authorization law. Cafaro also led the effort to pass a law that has since contributed to Ohio clearing its total backlog of more than 14,000 rape kits as of 2018.

“Capri’s expertise in health policy and appreciation of the economic challenges communities across the country make her a tremendous asset in our effort to confront the nation’s opioid crisis,” said BPC President Jason Grumet. “BPC will also benefit from Capri’s breadth of policy interests which span from infrastructure investment and community development to supporting entrepreneurship and growing small businesses.”

“It is an honor to join BPC as a fellow, as I believe the organization focuses on providing tangible policy solutions rooted in bipartisan dialogue and consensus,” said Cafaro. “As a state Senator in Ohio, I strived to work with members from the other side of the aisle to produce a stronger legislative product. I hope to bring my policy experience and collaborative sensibility to the important work of BPC.” 

Cafaro, a frequent guest commentator and host on television and radio programs, holds a Bachelor’s degree from Stanford University in American Studies, a Master’s in International Studies from Georgetown University, and a Master’s in Social Work from The Ohio State University.