Pia Carusone is a managing director at SKDK, overseeing the day-to-day management of the firm’s political department. She brings over 15 years of campaign, communications, media, and brand development work to her clients at SKDK.
After years of winning tough campaigns, Pia met U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and they quickly bonded over growing up in Republican families. Pia became the youngest female chief of staff in the House when she joined Gabby’s team. After the stunning and horrific Tucson shooting, Pia was recognized on the floor of Congress for her leadership role in the aftermath.
Most recently, Carusone was the lead strategist and ad maker for Sen. Mark Kelly, who won the special election to fill Sen. John McCain’s seat. She previously served as the assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security during the Obama administration.
Carusone’s campaign work also includes guiding Ritchie Torres to victory in NY-15, defeating a powerful anti-choice, anti-equality opponent. And in New Hampshire, where her roots in politics began with Howard Dean’s presidential campaign, Carusone helped Rep. Chris Pappas secure his first re-election in New England’s most competitive district. In 2006, Carusone managed the first campaign of now-Rep. John Sarbanes before joining him on Capitol Hill as his communications director.
Pia has given hundreds of TV, radio, and print interviews and is frequently called to comment on the latest developments in politics and government. Originally from Saratoga Springs, New York, Pia is a graduate of Bard College and now resides in New York, NY, with her wife, daughter and their two dachshunds. Ask Pia what her favorite bourbon is — she’s the co-founder of Republic Restoratives Distillery.
