Senior Leadership Team Announced By Bucks Co. District Attorney-Elect

DOYLESTOWN, PA — District Attorney-elect Joe Khan on Thursday announced his senior leadership team, elevating veteran members of the DA’s office and bringing in recruits from the private and public sectors.

In 2026, the office’s executive committee will be made up of the following attorneys: Kristin McElroy, First Assistant District Attorney; Brendan Flynn, Chief of Staff and Chief Deputy District Attorney; and Elizabeth Oquendo, Chief of Civil Enforcement

“Kristin, Brendan, and Elizabeth exude the energy, integrity, and professionalism that will be the
hallmark of our workforce,” said Khan. “Judges, attorneys, and stakeholders across Bucks County trust and respect them because, simply put, they are the best of the best. I’m thrilled to begin a new chapter for the DA’s Office with these amazing prosecutors leading our team.”

Kristin McElroy currently serves as the Chief of the Special Victims Unit in the Bucks County DA’s Office. Universally respected by fellow prosecutors across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, McElroy has been the recipient of the Soroptimist Women Helping Women Award and the Rosner Award for public service, professionalism, and integrity.

She has served in the Bucks County DA’s Office since 2012, and in addition to her leadership role with the Special Victims Unit, also serves on the office’s management committee. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Seton Hall University, a Master's of Arts in International Educational Development from Columbia University, and a Juris Doctor from Temple University.

Brendan Flynn is a litigator at Curtin & Heefner, where he handles public sector, labor, and environmental matters and serves as a volunteer mentor in Bucks County’s Veterans’ Treatment Court. Before entering private practice, he served as a homicide prosecutor in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office.

Flynn co-chairs Khan’s Transition Committee and will continue to guide its work as Khan takes office next month. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Government from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and a Juris Doctor from the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law, where he graduated magna cum laude.

Elizabeth Oquendo is a Senior Deputy Attorney General in the Public Protection Division of the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, where she protects consumers from unfair health care practices. She also serves as president of the Hispanic Bar Association, was recently elected to serve on the Methacton School Board, and previously served as second-in-command of the Bucks County Law Department as administrative deputy county solicitor. She earned a Bachelor’s degree from Emory University and both a Juris Doctor and a Master of Business Administration from Temple University.

“These attorneys have exactly the right skill sets and experience to manage the office today while helping expand its mission to tackle the 21st-century challenges facing crime victims, working families and the environment,” added Khan.

Khan also announced assignments for other senior prosecutors who will step into supervisory roles in key areas: Jovin Jose will serve as Chief of the Special Victims Unit; Chris Rees will serve as Chief of the Special Investigations Unit; A.J. Garabedian will serve as Chief of the Economic Crimes Unit; and Ed Louka will serve as Chief Office Administrator.

“I am grateful that these career prosecutors will continue to serve the DA’s Office in these important roles,” added Khan.

Khan was elected District Attorney in November with 54 percent of the vote, winning more votes than any candidate for this office in the history of Bucks County. He previously served for 16 years as a prosecutor in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office and for three years as Bucks County Solicitor. He is currently a partner and co-chair of the appellate section at Curtin & Heefner.