PDAA Appoints Kelly Callihan, a Former District Attorney, as Executive Director

HARRISBURG – The Executive Committee of the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association (PDAA) today announced that Kelly Callihan, the former District Attorney of Cambria County, has been named Executive Director of the association.

A career prosecutor, Kelly currently serves as PDAA’s Counsel for Policy and External Relations.

“Kelly Callihan is uniquely qualified to serve as the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association,” said PDAA President Brian Sinnett, District Attorney of Adams County. “She has spent her career in a variety of prosecutorial roles, always fighting for the victims of crime and seeking justice for them.”

Callihan served 10 years as the District Attorney of Cambria County. Before that, she served 14 years as an Assistant District Attorney in the office. In 2020, Callihan joined the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office as a Deputy District Attorney.

During her career, Callihan sought justice for victims of child abuse, sexual assault, and violent crimes. She prosecuted cases in both the adult and juvenile courts. She helped create programs to enhance victim services and establish treatment courts to improve public safety.

“I am honored to be named Executive Director of PDAA,” Callihan said. “As a prosecutor, I realized the value the association offers prosecutors and law enforcement with training, advocacy, and support. Now, I look forward to working with the district attorneys across Pennsylvania to build upon our success and make PDAA even more valuable to our members.”

During her time as District Attorney, Callihan served on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of PDAA and its training arm, the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Institute (PDAI). In her current role as Counsel for Policy and External Relations, Callihan researches policy initiatives, tracks legislation affecting criminal justice, testifies during public forums, and works with victims groups and law enforcement organizations. She also is a presenter at PDAA and PDAI training events.

“With all of her experience, Kelly Callihan was the ideal candidate to take this leadership role at PDAA,” Sinnett said.

Callihan is a 1993 graduate of Dickinson Law School and a 1990 graduate of Penn State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in health policy and administration. She and her husband, Derrick, have two daughters, Quinn and Molly.

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Contact: Kelly Callihan at 717-238-5416 or at kcallihan@pdaa.org.