Owens Promoted to Director of Foundation Programs

Owens Promoted to Director of Foundation Programs

Laura Owens has been promoted to director of Foundation programs for the American Quarter Horse Foundation.

horse wearing a halter (photo by Isabella O'Daniel for the 2019 AQHA Calendar Contest)

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The American Quarter Horse Foundation is proud to promote Laura Owens to the position of director of Foundation programs. Owens, who has been on the Foundation team since 1999, is also celebrating her 25th year as an employee of the American Quarter Horse Foundation. 

Owens’ dedication to learning the craft of fair and transparent grant making through every element of the application and selection process has made her a valuable asset to the Foundation. She is dedicated to ensuring that funds entrusted to the Foundation are invested in people and organizations that will drive the American Quarter Horse industry forward in an impactful way.

Her duties are vast in that she oversees all Foundation programs including scholarships, equine research and equine-assisted services grants, Hall of Fame nominations and AQHA support programs.

“I am deeply grateful for this recognition and excited for the opportunities this expanded role will bring to AQHF,” said Owens. “I’m honored to be part of this hard-working team and look forward to our continued growth as a non-profit foundation.”

Owens began working at AQHF as a customer service representative for the Museum. Over the years, she has been involved in every aspect of the Foundation’s work and is deeply committed to serving AQHA’s members and donors. She has a life-long love for the western way of life and its rich history.  She holds a degree in biology from West Texas A&M University and is a recent graduate of the Women in Leadership program of Texas A&M University-Texarkana.

“Laura has an exceptional background in grant making and program management, which has driven the Foundation’s programs forward to significant growth. Laura has developed the ability to envision what a program can be and defined the necessary steps to success, all while maintaining an unquestionable level of integrity, which is crucial to the Foundation’s credibility,” said Chris Sitz, chief Foundation officer. “I’m honored to witness this growth and recognize it with this promotion.”

For more information on AQHA staff, visit AQHA’s staff directory.

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