Charisma Troiano is the Communications Director at Democracy Forward, responsible for creating and executing Democracy Forward’s media and communications strategy.

Prior to joining Democracy Forward, Charisma served as the press secretary for the late Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson in one of the largest prosecutors’ offices in the country. In that role, she worked to draft and implement policies and initiatives related to criminal justice reform; wrongful convictions; combating gun violence; and restoring community relations with law enforcement. Charisma was also responsible for developing communications strategies on a wide range of topics regarding the duties, outreach, and accomplishments of the DA’s office. Her work has included placements in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Talking Points Memo, Mother Jones, CNN, MSNBC, the “13th” documentary, and more.

Charisma also served as the legal editor for the Brooklyn Daily Eagle newspaper. In addition to print journalism, Charisma has worked as an on-camera commentator on NBC’s “The Debrief with David Ushery” and as a host and producer of the live cable daily news show “BK Live.”

Born in New York and raised in Georgia, Charisma received her J.D. from New York Law School and bachelor’s degree from Vassar College, where she was a Ford Scholar.

As Press Secretary, Charisma will focus on communications and will not be practicing law.