Chris Owens, Executive Director

Chris Owens

Hon. Chris Owens is the Executive Director of Advocates for Justice. He is also the Zadroga Project Manager for Advocates for Justice.

Mr. Owens has led non-profit organizations, managed for-profit businesses, and has held both public office (Member and President, District 13 Community School District 13, Brooklyn) and Democratic Party offices. He is currently the male NY State Democratic Committee member and District Leader from northwest Brooklyn’s 52nd Assembly District. Chris Owens was elected as an Obama Delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 2008.  He also hosted “Black Politics with Chris Owens” on Air America Radio during 2008.

A long-time supporter of workers’ rights and quality, affordable health care, Owens also worked with his father, U.S. Representative Major R. Owens (D-NY), on various local issues and political projects. He served as a Special Assistant to then-City Council President Andrew Stein and, in the early years, served as a Legal Assistant with three major law firms while pursuing a career in music.

Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Brooklyn, Mr. Owens is a graduate of New York City public schools.  He received his B.A. in Sociology from Harvard University and his M.P.A. in Domestic Policy and Urban & Regional Planning from the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University.  Mr. Owens is married, has two young sons, and resides in northwest Brooklyn.

On September 11th, 2001, Chris’ wife worked in World Trade Center 1 and his youngest son was a pre-school student in Battery Park City.  From October 1st forward, Chris and his wife supported their son’s school and the Ground Zero area by continuing to bring him to the school.