Supervisor Forster was born on July 31, 1960 in Laguna Beach, California. He has resided in Amador County since 1975 and is a proud fifth generation Californian. He graduated from Ione High School in 1978 and the University of California, Davis in 1982 earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural and Managerial Economics. He is a commercial cattle rancher and is employed with the California Youth Authority. Supervisor Forster served on the Amador Water Agency Board of Directors for eight (8) years, the Ione Planning Commission, and numerous community organizations as an active member. Richard and his wife, Laurie, were married in Ione in 1982 and have two (2) daughters, Lindsey and Tyler.
Supervisor Forster was elected to the following terms on the Board of Supervisors: 2001-2004, 2005-2008 and 2009-2012.