Under Townsend's leadership, Liberia's information services greatly expanded providing print media and on-air radio and television broadcasting, which boosted tourism and appreciation of the Liberian culture.

[2] Moore and Townsend worked steadfastly together with the many tribal liaisons throughout the country to develop Liberia's National Cultural Center at Kendejah, Marshall Territory.

President Tubman opened the Center in 1964, which was described as a “panorama of tribal life, customs and traditions with thirty-one tribal huts and palava kitchens, designed and built by master builders from Liberia's 16 major tribes.”[3] The goal of the Center was to project the cultural image of the country, encourage and improve indigenous arts and crafts, provide a base for the National Cultural Troupe, and preserve the country's traditional art forms.

Following the coup d'état in 1980, the operations and activities of the Center were not maintained, and as a result of the civil wars in the early 1990s the facilities suffered damage and fell into disrepair.

Townsend along with then Foreign Minister Cecil Dennis helped lead the planning, coordination, and support for the Government of Liberia's hosting of the 32nd Summit of the Organization of African Unity in 1979.

[5] His selection came amidst a time when the party was struggling to transition from one that had a history of dominance by Americo-Liberians to one that needed to broaden its membership base to be inclusive of all members of Liberian society, including indigenous tribes.

President Tolbert lauded his selection as he too had a partner to help with his “mats to mattresses” and signature “Rally Time” movement to raise the living standards of all Liberians.

Townsend and nearly all of Tolbert's cabinet ministers and some members of the True Whig Party were charged with “high treason, rampant corruption, misuse of public office and gross violation of the civil and human rights of the Liberian people.”[7][8][9] Without due legal process they were found guilty and summarily sentenced to death and executed by firing squad at Barclay Beach in Monrovia on April 22, 1980, ten days after the overthrow of Tolbert.