JFS Director Owens is recognized by state
The leadership of Wayne County Job & Family Services Director Richard Owens has provided guidance to agencies across Ohio. His passion for the job and compassion for the people he serves have earned him the inaugural John Fisher Service Award.
Leadership is one of the most critical components of success in every field, and public service is no exception. It takes a unique combination of vision, dedication and expertise to lead an organization to success. Recognizing these qualities, the Ohio Job & Family Services Directors’ Association recently presented Wayne County Job & Family Services Director Richard Owens with the inaugural John Fisher Service Award for his leadership ability.
“This award recognizes four key attributes: attitude and character, professional competence and experience, communication skills, and interpersonal skills,” Ohio JFS Executive Director Laura Abu-Absi said. “Rich has been exemplary in all four of these areas. In addition to providing sound leadership for Wayne County, Rich finds the time to provide guidance, advice and support to JFS leaders across Ohio. The entire state has benefited from Rich’s leadership.”
Owens has garnered recognition for his initiatives and approaches to addressing critical social issues. His leadership and decision-making steered the department toward greater efficiency and effectiveness. With a background in public administration, he has dedicated his career to serving and advocating for vulnerable populations in Wayne County.
Throughout his career Owens has understood society’s complex issues. His vision and collaborative approach have enabled him to develop solutions that have had a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals and families.
Owens’ initiative to streamline services that impact at-risk youth at school and home is one area that impacted school-age children.
“By addressing barriers to success in school, students are prepared for success as adults,” Owens said. “This will have a multi-generational impact.”
One of the critical areas where the director’s leadership shines is fostering a culture of compassion and inclusion within the community. By prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable members of society, he has ensured no one is left behind. His initiatives have spanned from early childcare solutions to workforce development, demonstrating his comprehensive approach to addressing the community’s needs.
Owens and his team tailor programs that fit the community’s needs, track outcomes, measure impact and continuously improve service delivery.
Dan Starcher is the public communications coordinator for Wayne County.