Adam Townsend

Chief Operating Officer
InfoMart

Provide a short summary of your background, affiliations and experience as they pertain to the work of PBSA.

In 1999 I earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Valdosta State University. Soon after graduation and for the next 2+ years, I worked as a private investigator, dealing primarily in workers compensation and insurance fraud investigations. In 2002, I joined InfoMart’s Criminal department. Over the last 17 years, I’ve advanced my career with InfoMart from an entry-level position to my current role as Chief Operating Officer. During this time, I have been actively involved with PBSA in several leadership positions. For many years, I served as co-chair and chair of the Conference Committee and I have regularly participated and lead groups during PBSAs advocacy day. From 2013 - 2015, I was honored to be a member of the board of directors. Following my time with the board of directors, I served a one-year term on the Ethics Committee.

From your perspective, what are the three most important priorities that PBSA should pursue during the next two years?

Advocacy – A continued and focused push to advocate and educate legislative bodies, government agencies and the public of our message and best practices. PBSA was formed to promote, develop, educate and further the industry. I still find these things to be the core purpose of our association. The hard work of PBSA staff and volunteers has made a tremendous positive impact thus far. Every day we find ourselves looking at a new set of challenges that requires our attention. We need to continue to show that we are not only protecting our own business interests, but the interests of consumers and our end users.

Education – PBSA needs to continue to educate our members on the changes and overall climate of our industry. For all membership categories, regular, associate and affiliate, PBSA must be the resource for the most up-to-date information. This will provide the consistency needed when we work to inform our end users of industry trends, legislative changes, and the current and/or potential risks associated with background screening. The accreditation program, monthly webinars, publications, and newsletters continue to provide value to PBSA members. If all members share the same informed message, it will increase the legitimacy of our association. PBSA is merely a vessel and can only be effective if the members work diligently to promote ourselves as educated, ethical and accomplished experts within our own organizations.

Volunteerism – PBSA would not be what it is today without the personal and professional sacrifices that have been made by its members and their employers. PBSA future growth will be determined by the number of active volunteers who dedicate their time, resources and knowledge to the association. It is imperative that PBSA continues to find ways to attract, groom and retain talented members who are willing to dedicate a portion of their time for the advancement of the screening industry.

How do you see your contribution on the Council Leadership for realizing these priorities?

Having served in several leadership positions within the PBSA and within my own company, I feel like I proven myself to be capable of leading strategic discussions and working collaboratively with others to meet expectations. If given the opportunity to serve on Council Leadership, I realize that my own personal view on priorities may not align with the vision of PBSA membership. I understand that it will be my responsibility to carry out the priorities of the membership

What is your long-term vision for PBSA’s impact on the background screening industry?