RNA excited to welcome Jake Owens as new director 

New director brings more than a decade of nonprofit management to the role

With both a bachelor's degree in biblical studies and a firm footing in non-profit management, Owens worked for the better part of a decade at Boys Town Nebraska, serving youth in a shelter home -- first as an employee and eventually as the home's supervisor. During this time, he completed his Master’s in Human Services Administration and moved to the small town of York, Nebraska to work as the Executive Director of a county-wide prevention network.

"I am thrilled at the opportunity to unite my dual passions for religion and non-profit service into one role at RNA," Owens said. 

A native of Kansas City, Mo., Jake Owens has spent his entire adult life in the state of Nebraska. In his free time, Owens is a husband and father, sports fan, huge nerd, theater patron, and constant reader of any printed material he can find. "If you're looking for a conversation with me, choose any of the above," he said. 

"With his combined experience in the non-profit world and keen interest in quality religion news, Jake is a good fit for our organization," said Ken Chitwood, RNA President. "Jake brings a lot of positive energy to the opportunities and challenges that lie before us and his adaptable skillset will help RNA better embrace its exciting future." 

Owen steps into this role as Interim Director Sarah Ventre, who led the organization from its 2023 Excellence in Religion Reporting Awards at Columbia University in November through its 75th Anniversary Conference in Pittsburgh, Pa., April 18-20, 2024, returns to her work as an award-winning audio journalist. 

Ventre said, "it was also wonderful to get to work closely with an incredibly dedicated, hard-working board and a brilliant team of volunteers.

"I’m excited to transition back into my role as an enthusiastic member and look forward to many more years of collaboration," she said, "but it was a pleasure to be a part of honoring and celebrating 75 years of our organization."

Since 1949, the Religion News Association has been the premier professional association for people who report on religion in the news media. Its mission is to equip journalists throughout the world with the tools and resources they need to cover religion with balance, accuracy and insight.

Please contact religionnewsassociation2016@gmail.com with any questions or comments you may have.