National Football Foundation

Notching an impressive 22 years of service to the NFF, Joe Owens earned the respect and admiration of all the chapter presidents in his region before stepping down in August 2008. A fixture in the region and within the organization, his breadth of knowledge, consistent delivery, and attention to detail played a key role in creating a strong and expanding membership base in the Midwest Region.
 
A graduate of Mid-America Nazarene University with a degree in public relations, Joe began his career with the NFF in 1986 after a three year stint as the sports information director at DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind. Joe knew early on that establishing rapport and gaining the trust of his chapter contacts was the key to success.
 
"College Football Hall of Fame Coach Woody Hayes was famous for saying, 'you win with people.' The same can be said for the NFF," said Owens. "It is the people who make up our chapters that have enabled the foundation to fulfill its mission and reach its goals for more than half a century. It was my privilege for 22 years to not only work along side our chapter members but to consider them my friends."
 
Those relationships can be found in virtually every one of the chapters that Joe helped guide over the years. The NFF's largest chapter can be found in Fayetteville Arkansas and chapter President Eddie Bradford has a special appreciation for Joe's contribution.
 
"Joe Owens is clearly one of the most outstanding young men with whom I have ever been associated," said Bradford. "Joe has been a gentleman from the word go. I have had the privilege of working with him from the time he began his employment with the NFF. He has always been a person of integrity and reliability, one who has not only demonstrated the best interest of the organization but also understanding and providing unending support to the various chapters coming under his region."
 
Over the years, Joe has worked closely with the Cincinnati Chapter in his hometown, but he always made sure to not play favorites, equally giving of his time to all of the presidents and members in his region.
 
Joe has been involved in his local church and its special needs ministry, further demonstrating his desire to give back to the community and positively impact those around him. Joe lives in Mason, Ohio, with his wife Marcia and his daughter.