Volunteer Spotlight! Carol Townsend, Chair, Commission on Government Affairs!

Carol Townsend MSN, RN, CNML

Chair of Commission for Government Affairs

NHNA

I have been chairing for the past 18 months and a member of the CGA since 2020. My interest started

during my master’s program when I had the pleasure of interviewing Polly Campion about her role as a

NH State Representative. She was very influential and persuaded me to join the commission almost

instantaneously! I did not realize how much nursing could impact change in legislation until I became

involved. I also felt more comfortable with the legislative process and jargon once I spoke to other nurses

about it. It benefits me most to be involved with change that makes a difference. I was able to provide in

person testimony at a couple of hearings and through my voice and those of other nurses and

organizations we were successful in impacting the legislative decision to either support or oppose a bill.

The Commission has a great group of nurses from various backgrounds that bring together a wealth of

expertise to share and we have a lot of fun while we speak out to change things for the better!