Carla A. Owens is the Communications and Public Affairs Director for the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative, a grant making foundation created by the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Casey Family Programs. The organization's mission is to bring together the people, systems and resources necessary to assist youth in foster care to make successful transitions to adulthood. Ms. Owens serves as the primary spokesperson for the organization. She works with communities, state and national organizations in ensuring effective media relations.

Before coming to Jim Casey, Carla was the Program Director for Executive Programs at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. She served six years in Missouri State Government in various positions, including Assistant to the Director for the Department of Social Services, Senior Staff Member/Director of Constituent Services and State Director of Equal Opportunity for the late Missouri Governor Mel Carnahan. Her corporate experience includes serving as a Product Forecast Analyst in the Finance Division of Hallmark Cards, Inc. of Kansas City, MO and as an insurance underwriter for H. W. Sewing and Company insurance agency.

Ms. Owens received her undergraduate degree from Spelman College and her Master of Public Affairs-Public Management from Park University. She is also a graduate of the Kennedy School of Government for Senior Executives in State and Local Government, and the Governors Center of the Terry Sanford Institute of Public Policy, Duke University.