TOWSON, Md. - Frances Townsend, former homeland security advisor to President George W. Bush and regular on-air contributor to CNN on national security issues, will be the keynote presenter at the Edward V. Badolato Speaker Series on June 16, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Minnegan Room at Towson University's Johnny Unitas Stadium.

Townsend will share her unique first-person view into the major homeland security issues and emergency management incidents that have confronted the United States during the first decade of the 21st century, including the decision to close Guantanamo Bay and the consequences of Hurricane Katrina.

Townsend currently serves as a partner with the law firm Baker Botts LLP. She served as assistant to President George W. Bush for homeland security and counterterrorism, and chaired the Homeland Security Council from May 2004 until January 2008. She previously served as deputy assistant to the President and deputy national security advisor for combating terrorism from May 2003 to May 2004. Most recently, Townsend provided consulting services and advice to corporate entities on global strategic engagement and risk as well as crisis and contingency planning.

Towson University established the Edward V. Badolato Distinguished Speaker Series in Homeland Security in 2004. Endowed by the late Colonel Edward V. Badolato, USMC, the speaker series brings leaders in the field of Homeland Security to campus and the Baltimore region to share their perspectives on combating terrorism and making our nation safe.

Badolato, a TU alumnus, served as a deputy assistant secretary of the Department of Energy, focusing on counterterrorism and emergency planning. In addition, he was an internationally recognized expert in the field of energy and environmental operations, contingency planning and emergency response. Badolato passed away in 2008.

Visit the web site to register for this free event.