J. Shane Townsend

J. Shane Townsend currently serves as a Senior Associate for Strategic Partnerships at Michael Baker International, focusing on food systems and agriculture while supporting resilience, adaptation, and emergency management projects. Previous experience includes a role as a Senior Technical Specialist at Resilience Action Partners, where Townsend contributed to FEMA’s Community Engagement and Risk Communication efforts. A former Foreign Service Officer at the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, Townsend's responsibilities spanned improving global food security and representing American agricultural interests in East Africa. Additional roles include Senior Program Advisor at The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, Director of External Affairs at Campaign Consultation, Inc., and program management during Hurricane Katrina at Save the Children US. Educational background includes a BA in Anthropology from Millsaps College, an International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance from Fordham University, and a Masters in Urban & Regional Planning with a focus on Emergency Preparedness from Virginia Commonwealth University.