The Kennedy Family Tree

Meaghan Ann Kennedy Townsend

b. 1977
Nonprofit Executive

Key Facts

Born
1977
Status
Living
Spouse
Billy Birdzell (m. 2016)
Children
4

Children of Meaghan Townsend (in birth order)

Full list with photos →
  1. 1.Arabella Kennedy Birdzellb. 2016
  2. 2.David Kennedy Birdzellb. 2016
  3. 3.Finnbar Ward Kennedy Birdzellb. 2018
  4. 4.Luke Kennedy Birdzellb. 2022

Biography

Family Background

Meaghan Ann Kennedy Townsend was born in 1977, the eldest daughter of Kathleen Kennedy Townsend and David Townsend, and a granddaughter of Robert F. Kennedy. Growing up as the firstborn in a household defined by public service and Kennedy family values, Meaghan developed an early engagement with social justice and civic responsibility. Her mother Kathleen was the first woman elected Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, and the family's commitment to activism shaped Meaghan's professional trajectory.

Meaghan married Billy Birdzell in 2016. They have four children: Arabella and David, both born in 2016, Finnbar, born in 2018, and Luke, born in 2022.

Career in International Development

Meaghan has built a career focused on nonprofit work, international development, and social justice organizations. Operating largely outside the public eye, she has dedicated her professional life to causes consistent with the Kennedy family's tradition of using public and private institutions to address inequality and support vulnerable communities around the world.

She maintains a relatively private profile compared to some of her cousins, choosing to let her work speak rather than seeking media attention. Her commitment to service reflects the values instilled through her family's legacy.

Family Context

Meaghan Ann Kennedy Townsend is the child of Kathleen Kennedy Townsend and David Lee Townsend. They married Billy Birdzell (m. 2016) and had 4 children: Arabella Kennedy Birdzell, David Kennedy Birdzell, Finnbar Ward Kennedy Birdzell, Luke Kennedy Birdzell.

Siblings

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Meaghan Kennedy Townsend?

Meaghan Kennedy Townsend is the eldest daughter of Kathleen Kennedy Townsend and David Townsend, and a granddaughter of Robert F. Kennedy. She has pursued a career in nonprofit work and international development.

How many children does Meaghan Kennedy Townsend have?

Meaghan Kennedy Townsend and her husband Billy Birdzell, who married in 2016, have four children: Arabella Kennedy Birdzell and David Kennedy Birdzell (born 2016), Finnbar Ward Kennedy Birdzell (born 2018) and Luke Kennedy Birdzell (born 2022).

How does Meaghan Townsend relate to the broader Kennedy family?

Meaghan is a granddaughter of Robert F. Kennedy through her mother, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend — the first woman elected Lieutenant Governor of Maryland and the eldest child of RFK.

View the Full Family Tree