Kate Townsend leads the life sciences computer systems compliance and validation competency for EMC Consulting. With more than 20 years of experience supporting the implementation and validation of global systems within the pharmaceutical industry, Townsend's current focus is on value-based compliance management – bringing value to organizations through improved quality and compliance. Prior to joining EMC Consulting (formerly known as BusinessEdge Solutions), Townsend served as Vice President of Regulatory Compliance and Validation with Taratec Development Corporation. Her first exposure to computer systems validation was with Sterling Winthrop, an international pharmaceutical company where she worked for eight years, first in England and then in the United States. Townsend holds a Bachelor’s Degree in computer science and a Master’s Degree in engineering from Lancaster University in the United Kingdom.