The Kent County Commissioners proudly announce the appointment of Lacey M. Townsend as the new Kent County Clerk, effective May 2, 2026.

Townsend brings nearly a decade of service within Kent County Government and over 15 years of administrative and financial experience in public service. After joining Kent County Government in 2017, she first served in the Kent County Parks and Recreation Department as Office Manager, supporting financial operations, customer service, meeting preparation, and website content management.

In 2019, Townsend advanced to the County Commissioners' Office as Deputy Clerk, where she provided daily operational support to the County Commissioners, the County Clerk, and the County Administrator. Her responsibilities included agenda development, legislative documentation, codification of ordinances and resolutions, managing public notices, processing alcohol license renewals, and supporting budget preparation and monitoring.

Prior to joining Kent County, Townsend served the Town of Rock Hall as Assistant Clerk/Treasurer from 2010 to 2017, where she managed utility billing, payments, business and trader licensing, town website updates, and meeting preparation, while supporting the Clerk/Treasurer, Town Manager, Mayor, and Councilmembers.

Townsend is a graduate of Kent County High School and completed Business Management coursework at Northwest State Community College.

County Administrator Shelley Heller added, “Lacey has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and reliability in her service to Kent County. Her strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to public service making her an excellent choice for County Clerk. I look forward to continuing to work with her in this new capacity.”

Townsend shared her appreciation for the opportunity: “I am honored to serve as Kent County Clerk and look forward to continuing to support transparent, efficient, and responsive county government.”