Name: Heather Owen
Age: My daughter is convinced I’m 28, so I’m going with that.
Family: My husband and I are celebrating our 16th anniversary this week and we have 7 year old twins, John and Jessica
Pets: Zeus (Mainecoon)
Education: University of Florida, BA and JD
Admitted to the Bar: 1993
Employed by: Constangy, Brooks & Smith, LLP
Field of practice: Labor & employment law representing management
Professional Organizations: Jacksonville Bar Association, Federal Bar Association, Chester Bedell Inns of Court
Community Involvement:
I have been involved with numerous nonprofit and community organizations. Currently, I am serving as chair of Family Foundations.
How did you get involved?
Stan Weston, a fellow attorney and friend, asked me to assist the agency professionally. I was quickly impressed with the agency, its CEO, Dawn Lockhart, and its mission of building strong and financially secure families. When they asked me if I would serve on the board, I enthusiastically accepted. I have been serving for over 4 years now.
How can someone else get involved?
Call or e-mail me (www.constangy.com), or go to the Family Foundations’ Web site at www.familyfoundations.org. I’d be glad to talk to anyone about getting involved with Family Foundations. With current economic events, it is more important than ever for Jacksonville’s attorneys to volunteer their time, talent and dollars to our overtaxed community support agencies. We have many opportunities for attorneys and others to get involved.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
I have achieved great satisfaction from working with Family Foundations, especially now, since we are on the front lines as a highly respected community leader in helping families responsibly prevent foreclosure, manage their debt and finances, and avoid bankruptcy. I have also witnessed parents and children grow closer through Family Foundations’ BLAST parent engagement program, and have been reminded of simple ways to be a better parent and wife, such as regularly having dinner together at home. I also believe serving on the board has made me a better attorney. Law firms, private sector businesses and nonprofit agencies operate quite differently from each other, and I have learned so much from the diverse experiences and perspectives of my fellow board members and the agency staff, and have often found myself drawing upon that knowledge to better advise my clients. I have also gained many wonderful friends in my fellow board members and agency staff.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
“Locked Rooms”, part of the Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes series by Laurie R. King. The series is a wonderful read!