BACKGROUND

Chris Owen brings more than 30 years of senior leadership experience to his work as a Vistage Chair. He previously served as Dean of Students, Vice President of Student Development, and Chief Operating Officer of a university that grew from about 2,400 students to more than 12,000 during a period of significant expansion.

As COO, Chris helped lead major campus growth, align the senior leadership team, open new markets, and guide the institution through the COVID crisis while maintaining momentum. He also played a key role in the university’s $80 million debt refinance, helping present the growth story and leadership vision to investors.

Today, Chris leads private peer advisory groups for CEOs, presidents, and founders across Polk County and the surrounding region. He is the founder of OwenCo Solutions, where he helps leaders clarify direction, align teams and systems, and improve performance.

Chris and his wife, Molly, have been married for more than 30 years and are the proud parents of two married children and grandparents of three. Outside of work, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and sporting clays.