Rachel Townsley

Ms.Townsley is grateful to be joining you as the current Director of American Independence Youth Leadership Conference (AIYLC), a position that was previously held by her father, retired USAF Colonel William Townsley, as well as by a wonderful family friend, retired USAF Major Earl Johnson. Ms.Townsley has been helping the AIYLC as a chaperone and administrative assistant as needed for more than 20 years. 

As a military brat and child of two Air Force officers, Ms.Townsley spent much of her young life traveling the globe and learning to adapt to many different cultures and social environments. After graduating locally from Tabb High School and earning her Bachelor of Arts from Hollins University, she began her career path in Northern Virginia. She worked as a Project Manager for The National Association for Music Education for 8 years and then spent another 4 years working as a Project Manager in Product Development for Feld Entertainment helping design and produce children’s toys and merchandise. 

Ms.Townsley’s desire to be closer to family led to her relocation back to Hampton Roads in 2013. After several years working as a foster parent, substitute teacher, and paralegal, she decided to get her real estate license and work for herself successfully for many years. In 2022, she put her years of real estate knowledge to use working for the Virginia Department of Transportation and has been immensely enjoying that career change. She currently resides in Yorktown, Virginia with her loving partner and 3 goofball cats.