Tiffany Townsend is the Executive Vice President for Global Communications at New York City Tourism + Conventions, the city’s official destination marketing organization dedicated to maximizing travel, conventions, and economic prosperity and amplifying New York City’s global brand. In this capacity, Ms. Townsend leads the organization’s domestic and international communications strategy and media relations, overseeing both corporate and crisis communications as well as a global network of communications professionals across more than a dozen offices around the world. She is also a key member of the organization’s executive leadership team.

Ms. Townsend’s current tenure marks her second leadership role with NYC Tourism + Conventions, having previously served as Vice President of Communications & Government Affairs from 2007–2012, where she helped elevate the organization’s visibility and strategic engagement with media, government partners, and stakeholders.

Prior to returning to NYC Tourism + Conventions, Ms. Townsend served as a Senior Advisor in the Biden-Harris Administration at the U.S. Small Business Administration within the Office of Government Contracting & Business Development, where she provided strategic leadership and policy guidance to support small businesses and government contracting initiatives.

Her diverse career also includes senior roles in both the public and private sectors. Ms. Townsend was Senior Vice President for External Affairs at the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation, a mission-driven industrial park focused on growing modern manufacturing in New York City. She also served as Advisor to the Speaker of the New York City Council, where she worked closely on communications, policy, and civic engagement.

Earlier in her career, Ms. Townsend’s experience spanned varied communications and public affairs roles, including as a press officer and marketing manager for the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Assistant Press Secretary in the New Jersey Governor’s Office, and press assistant with the U.S. Mission to the United Nations. In the private sector, she held leadership positions at communications firms including as a Partner at Wander and at Vine Communications, where she focused on business development and client strategy for lifestyle and tourism brands.

In addition to her professional leadership, Ms. Townsend has served as an Assistant Professor in the Design Management Department at Pratt Institute, where she teaches Management Communications in the Arts and Cultural Management program, further bridging academic insights with industry practice.

Ms. Townsend holds a Master of Science in Strategic Communications from Columbia University, a Professional Certificate in Public Relations from New York University, and a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs from The George Washington University.