Wayne County JFS Director Richard Owens retires after 18 years of service

When Richard Owens says he dedicated his career to public service, he genuinely means it — for all the right reasons. After 18 years with the Wayne County Department of Job & Family Services, Owens is retiring, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, innovation and dedication to the people of Wayne County.

Owens has guided the department through many changes throughout the years, earning statewide recognition and numerous accolades for excellence in public service. Under his leadership JFS has been repeatedly cited for innovation in programming, collaboration with community partners and commitment to protecting the most vulnerable residents.

Owens connects the lessons of the past with the changes of the present.

“I think of my grandfather, who was born in 1899,” he said. “He grew up with outhouses while horses and steam engines were the standard for transportation. Cars existed but were a novelty. He lived until 1986, witnessing the widespread adoption of electricity, indoor plumbing, cars as the standard mode of transportation, air travel, men landing on the moon and the space shuttle. I wondered then what marvels I would live to see in my lifetime.”

Owens said the pace of change has been just as striking in his own career.

“Since I became director, our computers have become ever more sophisticated and faster," he said. "Laptops replaced bulkier desktop models. We are just starting to see the impact of artificial intelligence on our work, making us more efficient. Blackberry phones and Palm Pilots were cutting-edge but now seem archaic. I grew up in the muscle car era, with manual transmissions and no power steering. Now cars nearly drive themselves, and many are either hybrid or all electric.”

While technology has transformed the workplace, Owens said the heart of public service remains unchanged. 

“Technology seems to be advancing so fast, but in the end, it takes a human to have compassion for their fellow humans," he said. "Our humanity and belief in something bigger — I’d say God — are things I hope never change."

That compassion, Owens said, is the foundation of the department’s work.

“At Job & Family Services, we care for some of the most vulnerable in our society — giving hope while treating our clients with dignity and respect," he said. "This is the calling of many (who work) in government, and I’d say this is always going to be true for the team at Job & Family Services.”

JFS exists to strengthen families, promote self-sufficiency, and protect children and vulnerable adults, all while delivering services with dignity and respect. Owens’ leadership has embodied that mission, ensuring the agency responds to his clients’ immediate needs while building programs with long-term impact.

State and Wayne County officials praised Owens for his ability to balance efficiency with compassion while guiding staff through times of economic uncertainty and increasing demands on public services.

Owens’ influence will continue to be felt through the programs he strengthened and the staff he mentored.

Dan Starcher is the public communications coordinator for Wayne County.