A champion for diversity, Troy Blackwell Jr is a seasoned communications strategist who currently serves as PA Trips Director for U.S. President-elect Joe Biden and VP-elect Kamala Harris where he manages principal travel and creative ideas for live experiences. He has oversaw the Democratic Convention Week in Pennsylvania; President Obama’s recent televised visit to Philadelphia; Dr. Biden’s back-to-school virtual bus tour; and the national televised election eve concert with Senator Harris and John Legend. Prior to the Biden campaign, Troy provided strategic counsel to social impact and philanthropy clients. Prior experience includes roles such as Weston Public Service Fellow in the Obama White House and working with Gaia Education (GEN-Africa) through the U.S. Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (State Department). With GEN-Africa, Troy spent time in Senegal working on green revolution projects including designing and greening the local high school and health centers, and organizing events to raise funds for a micro health project. Troy has been recognized as PRWeek’s 2020 Most Purposeful person under 30; one of Crain’s New York Notable LGBTQ Leaders and Executives 2020; and PRSA-NY’s 15 under 35 award for top communicators. The New York City native is finishing his M.S. in Strategic Communications at Columbia University.