Kentucky AFL-CIO Welcomes Belle Townsend as Communications Director to Strengthen Labor’s Voice Across the Commonwealth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
02-14-2025

Kentucky AFL-CIO Welcomes Belle Townsend as Communications Director to Strengthen Labor’s  Voice Across the Commonwealth

Frankfort, KY – The Kentucky State AFL-CIO is proud to announce the hiring of Belle Townsend as its new Communications Director, a strategic move to expand the federation’s narrative, grow union membership, and amplify the collective power of working people across the Commonwealth.

Townsend brings a dynamic background in political organizing, storytelling, and advocacy to the role. With over five years of experience in communications, she has successfully strengthened member networks, built impactful partnerships, and crafted compelling narratives for issue-driven organizations. Her work has spanned eight election cycles in Kentucky, where she has played key roles in field organizing, communications, and research at the local, state, and national levels.

“Bringing Belle onto our team is an investment in the future of Kentucky’s labor movement,” said KY AFL-CIO President Dustin Reinstedler. “Her experience in grassroots organizing, coupled with her ability to shape powerful messaging, will help us mobilize more workers, win legislative battles, and build a stronger, more unified labor movement.”

In addition to her advocacy work, Townsend is a multi-published writer and founder of Backwoods Literary Press, dedicated to amplifying diverse rural voices. Her expertise in storytelling has been central to her efforts fighting for workers' rights, economic justice, education equity, and racial justice. She has collaborated with issue-driven nonprofits, advocacy organizations, and media outlets like Queer Kentucky to make organizing more accessible, empowering Kentuckians to take action on policies affecting their communities. Townsend is a proud member of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 4 KY. 

As Communications Director, Townsend will lead efforts to elevate the voices of Kentucky’s working families, highlight the crucial work of unions across the state, and support legislative and organizing campaigns that advance economic and social justice.

“I am honored to step into this role at such a pivotal moment for labor in Kentucky,” said Townsend. “Unions are the most powerful vehicle we have to create lasting change for working people, and I look forward to using communications to grow our movement, engage more workers, and win the fights ahead.”

The Kentucky AFL-CIO represents unions and workers across the state, fighting for fair wages, safe workplaces, and economic justice for all. With Townsend’s leadership in communications, the organization is poised to expand its reach, deepen its impact, and continue building a stronger labor movement in Kentucky.

For media inquiries, please contact:

press@kyaflcio.org