Robert J. Gaffney

Who is Robert J. Gaffney?

Robert J. Gaffney was the sixth County Executive of Suffolk County, New York. First elected in 1991, he served through 2003. He was president of Dowling College 2006 - 2010.

Born and educated in New York City, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Fordham University School of Business in 1965 and a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law in 1969. After working as a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Gaffney moved to Suffolk County in 1973. There he practiced law, concentrating in the areas of real property, litigation, corporate and commercial law.

In 1984, Gaffney was elected to the New York State Assembly, representing the Fourth Assembly District. He served as the ranking Republican member of the Real Property Tax Committee and the Committee on Corrections, as well as the Assembly Standing Committees on Codes, Higher Education, Environmental Conservation and the Judiciary. He also co-chaired the Assembly Republican Task Force on Crime Victims' Rights.