Richard Townsell is a Chicago native and thought leader in community development. In Richard’s 20+ years, he has developed hundreds of residential and commercial properties, created countless public service programs, and designed comprehensive community plans for affordable housing, education and more.

Richard is currently the Executive Director at the Lawndale Christian Development Corporation. Richard has taught community development courses at Northwestern University’s Asset-Based Community Development Institute and been an adjunct professor at Wheaton College’s Wheaton in Chicago program. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Northwestern University in Mathematics Education and a Masters of Science from Spertus College in Nonprofit Management.

Richard has been married to his college sweetheart Stephanie for 31 years.  They have two adult children, Lena and Gabriel.  Richard also coaches youth wrestling in his spare time.