Welcome Frances Owens

Frances W. Owens became First Lady of Colorado on January 12, 1999. A native of Colorado, she spent much of her childhood in Texas, but returned to Colorado to receive a degree in Art History from the University of Colorado at Denver.

Frances served as Honorary Chair for Early Intervention Awareness Day for eight years. She continues to champion efforts to encourage early intervention for children with developmental disabilities. Frances was also actively involved with literacy and children’s programs throughout Colorado.

For six years, Ms. Owens oversaw the privately funded long-term project of renovating and restoring the Governor’s Executive Residence which was originally constructed in 1908. Extensive renovations of the carriage house and lower gardens were completed in 2005.

From 2008 to 2012, Frances held the position as Vice President of Community Affairs for a local consulting company, Galloway Group, helping to forge strategic partnerships in the Denver community. She continues to be very active as a volunteer for several local nonprofits. In December, 2012, she joined arc Thrift Stores as the Community Relations Director. Arc Thrift is one of the largest employers of people with disabilities in the State of Colorado, with 22 stores from Ft. Collins to Pueblo.

Currently, Frances serves on the board of directors for St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation and The Governor’s Residence Preservation Fund.

Ms. Owens is a seasoned veteran of political campaigns, beginning her career campaigning for former U.S. Senator Bill Armstrong in the late 1970’s, as well as serving on Senator Armstrong’s House and Senate staffs.  She also worked as Associate Director of the Colorado Council on Economic Education.

The Owens’ have three children: Monica (30), Mark (27), and Brett (22).