Last week, Paul Townsend celebrated 31 years as an employee at Capital One. Reflecting on his time with the company, he knows his experience is unlike most in the corporate world today.

As a longtime executive with one of the country’s largest banks, Townsend began his career there when he took an entry-level job after graduating from college. The company grew and he was able to take advantage of the opportunities created with the rapid growth.

“I’ve been offered opportunities outside of Capital One, but each time that I weighed the pros and cons, it just made sense to stay with Capital One,” Townsend said.

Recognizing that doors opened for him in ways they don’t for others, he relishes the impact of the career-readiness programming that the Boys & Girls Club offers. He’s been involved with the organization 15 years and has witnessed how the organization’s programs impart durable skills like critical thinking, communication and collaboration, which change lives by increasing participants’ confidence and preparedness for future careers.

Employment for young people in their late teens and 20s is pivotal as they transition to adulthood. A study by The Brookings Institution found racial disparities continue to affect access to employment, with regional and educational factors also playing a role.

The study revealed that young Black and Latino people are up to three to six times more likely to be disconnected from job opportunities than young white people.

“Capital One has been very supportive of my passion for the work I do in the community,” he said. “It’s another reason to stay.”

Townsend’s also a yogi, practicing hot yoga specifically — something unusual for a C-suite executive.

“My wife got me started with yoga, and I thought it was a great idea to combat the stress that decades of playing rugby put on my body.” Townsend said. “I chose hot yoga because it’s the most challenging. I didn’t anticipate the mental benefits I would get from it. It’s great!”

Townsend weighs every life decision against his goal of happiness — an offshoot of the goal of enlightenment for many yogis. He enjoys spending time outdoors with his three teenagers at their house in Virginia’s Northern Neck.

“I don’t have any plans to retire because working makes me happy,” he said. “I’ll retire when it’s what will make me happy.”

Meet the C-suite executive with a passion for giving back to the community and this week’s Personality, Paul Townsend:

Occupation: Managing vice president, Capital One.

Date and place of birth: May 7 in Roanoke.

Where I live now: Richmond.

Education: Bachelor’s in history from Hampden-Sydney College.

Family: Wife Anya and three amazing children.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond (BGCMR) is: A leader in youth development in Metro Richmond for more than 70 years.

BGCMR mission: To fuel the boundless potential in young people to ensure they are life-and career-ready.

When and why founded: The original BGCMR was founded in 1953 and has provided a safe, supportive space where youths can grow and succeed. Today, we have seven Clubs serving young people across Richmond and Petersburg.

Original location: The Robinson Street Club in 1955, welcoming boys from Richmond’s Fan District.

How many clubs in Metro Richmond now: Today, BGC-MR has seven Clubs.

Locations: Northside Club, Southside Club, Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School Club, River City Middle School Club, Lucille Brown Middle School Club, Petersburg Club and the Teen & Community Center.

Each Club connects with its surrounding community to focus on providing the specific skills, interests and support to best suit members’ needs while meeting the ultimate goal of preparing youth to be life-ready.

Girls joined: In October 1992, the Club expanded its membership to include girls and developed a full array of programming to meet the needs of all members.

Name change: In 1993, the Club was renamed Boys & Girls Clubs of Richmond, and in 1999 the Club was renamed Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond.

LGBTQ and BGCMR: The Clubs serve youths from diverse backgrounds across various Richmond neighborhoods, providing them with support, mentorship and resources to help them thrive. Our goal is to ensure all young people in the community have access to life and career pathways programs that equip them with the skills and experiences needed for future success.

What makes the BGC-MR’s programming different: BGCMR supports middle school, high school and older youths up to age 24. We stand out as a cornerstone of opportunity for young people, offering safe, inclusive spaces where youth can thrive. With trusted mentors, diverse programs and a focus on life and career readiness and social and emotional learning, the clubs provide holistic support that addresses the whole child. From STEM and esports to art-making and career exploration, our programs inspire learning, build durable life skills, and prepare young people for the future.

How I got involved: When I first started with BGCMR in 2010, I was looking for the opportunity to volunteer with an organization that was making a real difference. I realized that I could have an even greater impact as a board member, using my corporate experience to help the organization maximize opportunities through prioritization and growth.

Elected board president: July 1, 2023.

Why BGCMR is meaningful to me: I grew up in a large family. While money was tight, we had everything we needed. There was always a roof over our heads, food on our table and two parents who loved us. As I grew older, it became apparent to me that doors don’t always open for everyone the way they did for me. At BCGMR, we are focused on building strong, capable, motivated and resilient young adults who will be successful and contribute positively to their communities.

No. 1 goal and strategy as board president: I am inspired daily by the vision, competence and heart of Sean Miller, CEO of BGCMR, and his leadership team. My focus has been on helping them unlock their potential and potential for the organization.

Biggest challenge: To rise to meet the potential of our youths. We need to provide the exposure, exploration and experience necessary for them to succeed and build pathways to make this happen.

Positive impact I have witnessed through working with BGCMR: The annual Youth of the Year celebrations are a moving experience because the community comes together to celebrate our top high school students. I’ve also had the experience of being in the Clubs on a random weekday afternoon to see the staff engaging with our Club members in more organic ways - playing chess, helping them with homework or simply being there to listen.

At the school level, youth show improved engagement and academic performance due to exposure to career opportunities and mentorship.

On a community level, the program creates a more skilled, connected and prepared youth population, contributing to a stronger workforce.

How readers get involved with BGCMR: Visit BGCMR.org, email us at development@bgcmr.org, or call 804-359-5250.

BGCMR eligibility: All of our programming is free for families. 

BGCMR activities and hours: Programming includes cosmetology, STEM, elite gaming, cheering, DJ classes, fashion design, urban agriculture, cooking, forensics and engineering. Clubs are open Monday through Thursday. Hours vary by location.

How I start the day: I do light yoga, meditate, make coffee and try to do an hour or two of work that requires my deepest thinking.

Three words that best describe me: Grounded, honest and hard-working.

Best late-night snack: Ice cream.

A quote that inspires me: “Perfection of character is this: to live each day as if it were your last, without frenzy, without sloth, without pretense.” – Marcus Aurelius.

The best thing my parents taught me: Through example, that both success and happiness come through hard work, honesty and being kind to others.

Most influential person: The late Mike Wassmer, former president of Capital One’s credit card business, because of his focus, discipline, resilience, commitment to excellence and his compassion for others.

Most influential book: “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius because it’s helped me realize that I control my view of the world.

Next goal: I am working to let go of my competitive nature and focus on being at my best in the moment, not worrying about the outcome.