Neil Townsend

Neil Townsend was previously the Head of Innovation for the Start Network, where he supported community led innovation in crisis contexts and systemic shifts towards locally and community led humanitarian action, both issues about which he is passionate.

He has spent over 10 years working globally in disaster response and three years working with communities in British Columbia and Alaska on sustainable land use planning, community business and indigenous peoples’ rights. He was also the CEO of a start-up supporting community owned renewable energy businesses in South Africa.