Christopher A. Owens

Christopher A. Owens, MBA, CFRE has a diverse work experience spanning several organizations. Most recently, they served as the Senior Director of Development, Donor Engagement, and Alumni Impact at the KIPP Foundation since 2022. Prior to that, they were the Managing Director of External Affairs at KIPP Memphis Public Schools from 2020 to 2022. In this role, Christopher was responsible for strategic growth, fundraising infrastructure development, and brand alignment. Christopher A. successfully implemented various initiatives, including a major gifts program and e-philanthropy platforms, resulting in a $480K annual giving campaign. Additionally, they secured $600K in 18 months from local funders and played a crucial role in achieving 10-year charter renewal agreements for KIPP Memphis schools.

From 2018 to 2020, Christopher worked at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - ALSAC as the Market Director for the Southern Region. Christopher A. managed field operations and guided budget preparation for an $18.4 million revenue goal. Christopher A. also led diversity and inclusion efforts and streamlined vendor processes, resulting in reduced expenditures and more strategic use of volunteers.

Prior to that, Christopher served as the Director of Development, Marketing & Communication Relations at Common Table Health Alliance from 2013 to 2018. Christopher A. spearheaded national health and wellness partnerships and developed a three-year strategic fund development plan that generated $1.5 million in program support and increased operating revenue and donor acquisition.

Their career started in 2004 as a Hyde Fellow/Program Associate at Hyde Family Foundations. Overall, Christopher A. Owens has demonstrated their expertise in development, fundraising, and strategic planning throughout their career.

Christopher A. Owens holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This is followed by an MBA in Business Administration and Management from Union University. In 2015, Owens obtained the certification of Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) from CFRE International.