Pennsylvania District Attorneys Institute Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association Membership Login
Shop Become a Member
tst

PDAA elects Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo as President of the Association

July 18, 2025

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association (PDAA) this week elected Dauphin County District Attorney Francis Chardo as President of the association for the 2025-2026 business year. Chardo serves on the PDAA Executive Committee and the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Institute (PDAI), the education and training arm of PDAA.

“I have served as part of the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association for many years. I am proud to succeed an excellent President, David Strouse, the Clinton County District Attorney,” Chardo said. “During my term, I will have the benefit of working with Armstrong County District Attorney Katie Charlton as Vice President; Schuylkill County District Attorney Michael O’Pake as Secretary-Treasurer, and a great Executive Committee and Staff.”

A prosecutor for more than 30 years, District Attorney Chardo has tried more than 140 jury trials during his career. Chardo also serves as an adjunct professor at the Widener University School of Law. He served as a faculty member at the National College of District Attorneys in Columbia, South Carolina. Chardo is a longtime PDAI instructor and has been awarded the PDAI Distinguished Faculty Award.

Pennsylvania District Attorneys Institute

At the annual business meeting, the PDAI Board also announced its officers for the 2025-26 business years. PDAI offers continuing legal education training programs for prosecutors and law enforcement officers throughout the year.

President: Adams County District Attorney Brian Sinnett

Vice President: Clinton County District Attorney David Strouse

Secretary/Treasurer: Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo

PDAA and PDAI ensure that prosecutors have the knowledge, skills, and support they need by offering:

  • Continuing legal education classes covering changes in criminal justice law and trends in law enforcement
  • Training and support for prosecutors
  • Assistance to prosecutors across the state with emerging issues or difficult, complex cases
  • Amicus briefs for appellate cases dealing with criminal justice issues
  • Advocacy on state legislation that could impact crime victims, law enforcement, or the criminal justice system

For more information on PDAA, or to view upcoming training programs, visit the PDAA website.

###