Penelope "Penny" Townsley began her career with Miami-Dade County in 1980. She was appointed Assistant to the Director for the Department of Business Development (DBD) in 1998, and served as Acting Deputy Director for DBD in 2002.  In 2003, Mrs. Townsley was appointed Deputy Supervisor of Elections in the Miami-Dade County Elections Department to reorganize the department.  She rose to the rank of Chief Deputy Supervisor of Elections in 2006.

Recognizing her desire for challenge and passion for developing and promoting opportunities for small businesses, On May 7, 2007, the County Manager appointed Mrs. Townsley as Interim Director to oversee the day to day operations of Small Business Assistance (SBA - formerly DBD).  On October 30, 2007, she was appointed Director of the newly established Department of Small Business Development  (SBD).

As Director of SBD, Mrs. Townsley oversees a staff of 71 with an operating budget of more than $6.7 million. She is responsible for implementing and administering the County's programs for Small Business Enterprises, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, Community Small Business Enterprises, Management and Technical Assistance, Mentor-Protégé, Bonding and Financial Assistance Programs, the Community Workforce Program and Responsible and Living Wages Programs.

Mrs. Townsley holds a Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration from Barry University and she is a delegate member of the International Association of Clerks, Recorders, Election Officials and Treasurers (IACREOT).  She is married with four children and 5 grandchildren.