HealthMPowers today announced the organization’s Board of Directors has appointed Jennifer L. Owens as President and CEO, effective August 24th. Owens most recently was the Senior Vice President at the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, a nonpartisan policy research and advocacy organization. She succeeds current President and CEO, Christi Kay, who announced her retirement earlier this month.
 
“I am honored and excited to be joining the HealthMPowers team,” said Owens. “I cannot think of a more critical time to invest in the current and future health of our children. Our state and nation face an unprecedented public health crisis. There has never been a more relevant time for HealthMPowers to affect change and create impact for children, families and our communities. Together, I look forward to helping the organization marshal every resource we can to ensure children have access to healthy foods and safe places to play and be active. I am eager to roll up my sleeves to support the exceptional staff, help seed and lead new opportunities to expand the impact of HealthMPowers and, ultimately, contribute to a future where all children are nourished and active.”
 
Owens brings nearly two decades of experience in policy research and advocacy, community organizing, communications, fundraising and organizational development. Prior roles include Deputy Political Director for the 2014 Jason Carter for Governor campaign, the first Development and Advocacy Director on staff at Georgia Organics, former executive director of The League of Women Voters of Georgia and a pioneering staff member at The Clean Air Campaign. In each of these roles, Owens leveraged strong relationships, evaluation, communications and strategic competencies to grow and evolve the impact and footprint of each organization.
 
"HealthMPowers has been fortunate to have exceptional leadership since our founding 20 years ago,” said Loreal LeGate, Board Chair. “The Board of Directors is thrilled that Jennifer is joining the organization to lead the team forward. We are confident that her expertise, passion, and dynamic style will help progress HealthMPowers’ mission and vision.”