Board Member Bio: Todd Owens

This week in Board Member Bios meet Todd Owens, Chair of the board. Todd also represents Dewey & Kaye, the great organization responsible for helping us find Erik Lingren, our Executive Director.

Hometown?
Born in San Diego, lived in Columbus, OH and Geneseo, NY, but Pittsburgh is home now and has been for 15 years.

What kept you here?
I moved to Pittsburgh in 1994 seeking fame and fortune managing a friend’s band, brownie mary. The lead singer and I went to college together and I moved here to help them “make it big”.

What’s a short description of what you do for a living and/or how you got there?
I work with nonprofit organizations that are facing the transition (planned or unexpected) of their CEO or a senior member of their team. I came to Dewey & Kaye in 2000 after meeting Kate Dewey through the Coro Center for Civic Leadership.

If you live with friends, spouse, or children, who?
I live with Jami Rutherford, my wife, and Maxine our newly adopted 8 year old French bulldog. Maxine has the run of the place…

How did you become involved with Venture Outdoors?
My involvement was rather informal back when VO was called the Western PA Field Institute, and the spring festival was called the Venture Outdoors festival. I’d estimate about 8 years now, with the past 2.5 on the board of directors.

How long have you served on the board, and what’s your role/committee on it?
I am the Chair of the Board, taking the hand off from the amazing Lazar Palnick, and I’ve had the pleasure of serving on the board for nearly three years.

What VO outing have you recently enjoyed, which one would you like to participate in, or what’s your favorite outdoor activity/accomplishment?
I love the trip leader socials and the sustaining member events. In my free time I love to mountain and road bike, run, kayak, climb, play ice hockey, snow board, show shoe and hike.

What are your other hobbies and volunteer activities?
I also have the pleasure of serving on the Board of Attack Theatre. In my free time other activities I enjoy are cooking, traveling, spending time with Jami and Max, trying micro brews and wine tasting, live anything (music, dance, theater, speakers), and anything outdoors.