After nearly two decades of guiding Wayne County’s Job and Family Services department, Director Richard A. Owens will retire Aug. 29. His departure will mark the end of a 38-year career in public service that spanned three counties and included state-level leadership roles.
Owens, who began leading the agency in January 2007, reflected on his time at the helm with pride in the programs that helped thousands of residents navigate crises, access food and health coverage, and re-enter the workforce.
“People come to our agency generally when they’re in some state of crisis,” Owens said. “Nobody woke up this morning and said, ‘I think I’ll just stroll down to Job and Family Services and see what’s going on.’ Knowing that we’re helping people every day is something that I’ll take with me.”
Building programs and partnerships
Owens became director in January 2007, overseeing about 70 staff and a $10 million budget. The agency administers cash, food, and medical assistance to more than 20,000 residents at a time, as well as adult protective services, emergency support programs and transportation for medical appointments.
But it was workforce initiatives that Owens emphasized. He guided the agency’s career services, including an annual career expo that combines job fairs with resume writing, interview prep and conflict resolution workshops.
He also fostered partnerships with organizations like OneEighty, NAMI, the Counseling Center and the Wayne County Public Library to help clients overcome work barriers.
Beyond Wayne County, Owens served as president of the Ohio Job and Family Services Directors’ Association and chaired statewide committees on finance and training.
Locally, he sat on the Economic Development Council’s advisory board, the Community Action governing board and the Family and Children First Council, roles that tied human services directly into the county’s broader economic and community development work.
A career shaped by faith and chance
Owens said his path into Wayne County leadership was unexpected.
At the time, he was assistant director of Summit County Job and Family Services and applied for the Wayne County role “on a whim” as practice for interviewing. He impressed county commissioners with his preparation and outlook, and when asked about welfare, replied: “The best form of welfare is getting somebody a paycheck.” That answer, he said, helped land him the job.
Looking back, he credits his career trajectory to faith.
“God just moves me along, puts me where I need to be,” Owens said. “I didn’t expect to be here this long, but I think we’ve been able to strengthen the agency and the community along the way.”
A legacy of service
Owens said he will miss his staff, other county directors and the satisfaction of helping families during difficult times. But he also believes the agency is in strong hands with incoming director Lisa Gunnels, who joined the department six years ago from the private sector.
“She’s very smart, picks things up quickly and will be a fantastic director,” Owens said. “She’ll represent Wayne County well in a field where there are only 85 directors serving 88 counties.”
Life after the office
Retirement will give Owens more time with his family, including his three daughters and a 3-year-old grandson. He and his wife also plan to travel to Europe once they update their passports.
“It will be odd to wake up and not check email before the day starts or not be on the phone with the state,” he said. “But I’m looking forward to having that free time to travel, to do yardwork during the week instead of cramming it into weekends and to spend time with my grandson.”.
His office, filled with Ohio State memorabilia and family photos, reflects both the professional and personal values that defined his tenure.
“At the end of the day, this job has always been about people,” Owens said. “Helping them, supporting them and building a stronger community together.”
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Richard Owens to retire after 18 years leading Wayne County Job and Family Services
Reporting by Miranda McGrath, Wooster Daily Record / The Daily Record
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