Townsend is the President & CEO of the Healthcare Initiative Foundation which supports organizations that offer solutions to improve the capacity, availability and the delivery of quality health and wellness services for Montgomery County residents. The Foundation has distributed over $83 million since inception particularly focused on the most vulnerable in our community. Townsend currently serves on the Leadership Montgomery Board, Committee for Montgomery Board, Regional Primary Coalition, Suburban Hospital Community Benefit Advisory Board, Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers Board, County Executive Transition Team, and the BlackRock Center for the Arts Gala Committee. Prior board service includes, Nonprofit Montgomery FIRM Advisory Committee, United Way of NCA, Friends of Wells Robertson House, Inc., and Montgomery County Social Services Board.  Preceding her work with the Foundation, Townsend was the City of Gaithersburg's Community Services Director overseeing and coordinating health and human services for City residents. Prior to her service with the city, she served as the Family Support Services Administrator for Family Services, Inc. managing early intervention and home visiting programs. Earlier in her career, she was the Healthy Families Frederick Program Manager, Legislative Director for the U.S. Overseas Cooperative Development Council, a Peace Corps Volunteer in Romania, and the Domestic Violence Shelter Manager for Heartly House. Townsend attained her Bachelor of Arts from Hood College in Law and Society and holds a Master of Public Administration from Rutgers University from the International Public Service and Development Program.