 Successful Businessman.
Proven Reformer. Activist.
Husband. Father. Taxpayer.
In 1994, Charlie took over a small, family-owned printing company and grew it into an internationally-recognized, industry leader employing many local residents. As a businessman, Charlie has proven his ability to serve and lead people, create jobs, overcome obstacles, meet a budget, and make tough decisions in the real world.
Charlie is also a proven reformer and citizen activist. In 2002, fed up with a state government that was simply spending too much and wasting too much, he stood up and successfully ran for the State Senate. As a State Senator, Charlie led fights to rein in out-of-control spending as well as make government more open, honest and accountable. In 2006 as recognition of his leadership and successes, Charlie was elected Senate Minority Leader by his caucus. As Minority Leader he completed a comprehensive study of possible Medicaid improvements and, two years ago, warned the leaders of the General Assembly and the Governor of the pending budget crisis -- offering specific options for savings and improvements.
During his Senate tenure, Charlie repeatedly called for limited, achievable cuts in government spending, and was a leader in the effort to fix the problems in the state corrections system. Charlie was a prime sponsor of a comprehensive legislative package that would have ended the days of backroom deals and political games – and once again put taxpayers and citizens back in control of their government. Watching the State's financial situation deteriorate and frustrated with the pace of change and lack of accountability, Charlie ran for Lt. Governor in 2008 -- losing in November.
Long committed to making our state even better, Charlie remains an active community volunteer who gives his time, effort and leadership to numerous civic organizations. He is the President of the Board of the Challenge Program and in that role helps provide real world job skills to disadvantaged youth. He is the President of the Board of SURJ where he continues to fight for criminal justice reform and fairness. He is also on the board of the Longwood Foundation, the Mount Cuba Center, the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, and the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce.
Married for 21 years, Charlie and his wife Bonnie live outside of Wilmington with their two children and their three dogs. They attend Christ Episcopal Church of Christiana Hundred. Charlie was raised in Delaware, graduated from Duke University with a degree in Computer Science and Physics and then earned an M.B.A., also from Duke.
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