Debra Owen grew up in Helena, Montana. Her passion for public policy began in high school when attending the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State held in the State Capitol. As Representative for Girls State, she sat in the Montana House of Representatives for the deliberation and vote on bills. From that experience, her interest in public policy ignited.
Advocacy for and through our members remains a passion for Owen. Through the leadership of the Board of Directors, with input from the Issues Management Council, the Chamber successfully gets stuff done. Last year the Chamber received the midwest Chamber of Commerce Public Policy award for passing legislation to require South Dakota driver’s licenses exams in Spanish. Debra led the statewide coalition to pass the bill in Pierre.
Owen is a licensed attorney. She is the Vice President of Government Relations for the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce. She has served as legal counsel and lobbyist for the State of South Dakota, Bureau of Human Resources and lobbied for the South Dakota hospitals.
Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce
200 N. Phillips Ave, Suite 200
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
605.336.1620
siouxfallschamber.com
