Branstad names Beth Townsend Director of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission

(DES MOINES) – Gov. Terry E. Branstad today announced that Beth Townsend will be the Director of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission in the Branstad/Reynolds administration.

“Today I am pleased to announce that Beth Townsend will serve as the Director of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission,” said Branstad. “Beth’s experience representing individuals before the commission over the past nine years will serve her well as she makes the transition into her new role.”

The Iowa Civil Rights Commission has a mission of enforcing civil rights though compliance, arbitration, support and education leading to safer, more inclusive communities.

“I am humbled to be asked to serve as the Director of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission,” said Townsend. I believe strongly in the Commission’s mission as I know Governor Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Reynolds do as well. I look forward to leading the Commission in meeting the needs of the citizens of Iowa to ensure that discrimination is ended where it exists and the process is fair and responsive to all parties before the Commission.”

Townsend currently has a private practice, Townsend Law Office, where she has represented individuals before the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, federal and state jurisdictions in the area of civil rights and employment law. Prior to starting her own practice, she was a partner at Fieldler, Townsend, Newkirk, P.L.C., where she also represented individuals before the Iowa Civil Rights Commission.

Previously, Townsend served as Judge Advocate General in the United States Air Force where she prosecuted and defended hundreds of airmen. Townsend also has served as a Reserve Military Trial Judge and presided over courts-martial.

Townsend earned a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Nebraska-Kearney and a Juris Doctor degree from University of Nebraska. Townsend resides in Urbandale, Iowa. She has one son.