FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2023
Charlottesville Commonwealth Attorney’s Office Announces New Hires
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - Charlottesville Commonwealth’s Attorney Joe Platania is pleased to announce the hiring of three new employees. Kelly Oufoula Kossi is the office’s new Legal Administrative Secretary. Ms. Oufoula Kossi is a graduate of Charlottesville High School and received a BA in Criminology with a Minor in Forensic Psychology from George Mason University. Oufoula Kossi, a naturalized U.S. Citizen originally from the Republic of the Congo and Gabon, brings a diverse background and a wealth of lived insights and experiences into her new role. Her passion for public service makes her an invaluable member of the team.
Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Nicholas Kalagian brings over a decade of legal experience to the City, most recently serving as a Senior Victim Advocacy Attorney at the Central Virginia Legal Aid Society. He previously served as an Assistant Public Defender in Fredericksburg, an Assistant Attorney General in the Sexually Violent Predator Unit of the Virginia Office of the Attorney General, and as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Culpeper. Mr. Kalagian received a BA in Political Science from Virginia Tech and a Juris Doctorate from the Appalachian School of Law, where he graduated cum laude. As a result of his varied and extensive legal background, Mr. Kalagian understands the importance of balancing community safety with the fair treatment of those charged with a crime.
Ashland Kentucky native and newly appointed Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney William Tanner graduated from Yale University in 1992, earning a degree in Political Science. He then attended the University of Georgia School of Law and upon graduation immediately started working as an Assistant District Attorney in Athens-Clarke County. He moved to Virginia in 2000 and began in private practice in 2001, focusing on the defense of indigent persons charged with criminal offenses. He recently retired from private practice and is looking forward to serving the Citizens of Charlottesville.
Media Contact
Joe Platania
Commonwealth Attorney
City of Charlottesville
434-970-3179
platania@charlottesville.gov
