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Pegeen Townsend is vice president of government affairs for MedStar Health. In her role, Townsend oversees all government relations activities in Maryland, the District of Columbia and at the federal level for MedStar Health. She is charged with building MedStar's relationship with local, state and federal officials to elevate the system as a key provider in the region, pivotal to the healthcare industry. In addition, Townsend will lead initiatives that place MedStar Health in a more active role regarding relevant issues and new policies being debated and/or resolved through legislative and regulatory action.

Prior to joining MedStar Health, Townsend was the senior vice president for legislative policy with the Maryland Hospital Association where she led the association's legislative team in its advocacy efforts in Annapolis and Washington. She assisted with several MHA priorities and initiatives, including the creation of the state's Medicaid managed care program, establishing the state's children's health insurance program and the Maryland Health Care Foundation to enhance access to care for Maryland's uninsured population, providing an external appeals and grievance process for insurer coverage decisions, and streamlining Maryland's healthcare regulatory system. Townsend also served nine years as counsel to the House Environmental Matters Committee in Annapolis.

Townsend earned her undergraduate degree in political science from James Madison University and a law degree from George Mason University School of Law.

In addition to her professional and academic accomplishments, Townsend serves as a member of the Baltimore Workforce Investment Board and the CASA Maryland Board. She is also a member of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce's Legislative Committee.