Printable FormatMichael J. Townsend
Member
Mr. Townsend is a member of the firm and practices in the Public Finance and Economic Development Practice Group, and serves on the Municipalities and Quasi-Governmental Agencies Industry Teams. His primary areas of practice include municipal finance, commercial real estate, and mergers and acquisitions.
Prior to joining Harris Beach, Mr. Townsend was in private practice in Rochester, New York where he served as counsel to a variety of organizations, including Rochester-Genesee Regional Transit Authority, Monroe County Empire Zone, Rochester Sports Authority, Monroe County Industrial Development Agency, Monroe County Foreign Trade Zone, Greece Economic Development Projects, Inc., and Greater Rochester Outdoor Sports Facility.
Professional & Community Activities
Mr. Townsend was elected chairman of the New York Power Authority effective February 25, 2009. He was named interim chairman on August 1, 2008. Mr. Townsend was elected vice chairman of the New York Power Authority by his fellow trustees on April 28, 2006. He became a trustee on Feb. 21, 2004 when his nomination by Governor George E. Pataki was confirmed by the state senate. Mr. Townsend is a member of the Board of Directors of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. He is a member of the New York State Economic Development Council, the Monroe County Bar Association, and the New York State Bar Association where he is a member of the Real Property Law Section.
Mr. Townsend is a member of the Board of Advisors of Ticor Title Insurance Co., and serves as an attorney for Monroe NewPower Corporation and the Civic Center Monroe County Parking Facility Corporation. Mr. Townsend also serves as a director of the State Tobacco Finance Corporation and the State Mortgage Bond Bank Agency, and is an honorary chairman of the Business Advisory Council of the National Republican Congressional Committee.
