ABOUT TROY

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Troy Blackwell is an American government official, award-winning communications executive, and community advocate, proudly rooted in his Afro-Puerto Rican heritage and working-class upbringing in the Bronx, New York.

A seasoned public servant, Troy has served in both the Biden-Harris and Obama-Biden administrations, holding senior-level appointments across domestic and diplomatic spheres. He has represented the United States nationally and on the global stage, advocating for the interests of more than 340 million Americans.

Most recently, Troy served as Deputy Chief Communications Officer at the U.S. Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office — the second-largest intellectual property office in the world. In this role, he became the highest-ranking Latino appointee at the agency. Overseeing external affairs for an organization with 14,000+ employees and a $4.5 billion annual budget, Troy helped shape national conversations around economic opportunity, emerging technologies, and inclusive entrepreneurship. He convened top business leaders for the Council for Inclusive Innovation (CI²) and served as a council member of the White House Working Group for HBCU, TCU, and MSI STEM Achievement under the CHIPS and Science Act—advancing equity in federally funded STEM initiatives and workforce development.

During his tenure, Troy advised the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) on broadband equity, contributing to the $664 million investment in high-speed internet infrastructure across New York, and highlighted the state's innovation gains as 7,605 patents were issued—nearly a 5% increase year-over-year.

Earlier in his federal service, Troy was a senior advisor at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Selective Service System. For his contributions to national security and operational readiness, he received the Meritorious Service Award and the Bronze Medal.

Troy previously held a diplomatic appointment as the Global Spokesperson for the U.S. Peace Corps, where he was the first openly LGBTQ+ person to serve in the role. He led media relations across 64 countries and spearheaded the agency’s landmark “Bold Invitation” global recruitment campaign, which generated over 1 billion ad impressions, 105+ million video views, and $10 million in donated media. He was a key liaison to the Dominican Republic and Belize, supported the Peace Corps’ entry into Vietnam and the Indo-Pacific, and coordinated communications during the war in Ukraine and at the U.S.- Africa Leaders Summit.

A proven change agent, Troy has worked on the Harris-Walz and Biden-Harris presidential campaigns, in the White House Office of Public Engagement under President Obama, and within New York City municipal government. His organizing roots are deep, having worked with labor unions such as SEIU, IBT, and CWA, as well as on the national Fight for $15 campaign.

Outside of government, Troy has been a fellow at Stanford University, and a guest lecturer at institutions including Harvard University’s Institute of Politics, New York University, Marymount Manhattan College, and City College of New York.

His leadership and advocacy have earned him numerous honors, including: Notable LGBTQ Executive – Crain’s New York Business, Impact Award – Gay City News, Beacon Award – Ellis Island Honors Society, Most Purposeful Person – PRWeek, and Black Futures Award – National Urban League.

With a deep commitment to public service and social equity, Troy Blackwell continues to amplify underrepresented voices and drive systemic change—building bridges between communities, government, and innovation.