The Owens Foundation Celebrates 40 Years of Community Impact and Names Katie Mulcahy Executive Director
As the Owens Foundation celebrates its 40th anniversary, it is pleased to announce the appointment of Katie (Owens) Mulcahy as Executive Director. A longtime member of the Foundation's leadership team, Mulcahy will lead the Foundation's strategic direction and community partnerships while advancing its mission of creating opportunity through trust-based philanthropy and collaboration.
Founded by Tom and Mary Owens in 1986, The Owens Foundation has invested more than $45 million to strengthen Chicago communities through workforce development, affordable housing, homelessness prevention, education, and other initiatives that help individuals and families thrive. Tom Owens also founded Cara Chicago in 1991, which has become one of the Foundation’s longest-standing partners in expanding employment opportunities for individuals facing barriers to economic opportunity.
For four decades, the Foundation has remained grounded in Tom Owens’ belief that lasting change begins with trusted relationships, deep listening, and investing in community leaders who understand their neighborhoods best. “Celebrating 40 years is really about celebrating the people and organizations we have had the privilege to work alongside,” said Katie Mulcahy. “Our nonprofit partners are the experts in their communities. Our role has always been to listen, build trust, and invest in the ideas and solutions they know will make the greatest difference. I am honored to carry forward the values my parents instilled in our family and continue building on that legacy.
Mulcahy has served as Director of Strategic Partnerships for the past nine years, working closely with nonprofit leaders, peer funders, and community organizations. As Executive Director, Katie will continue strengthening those partnerships while identifying new opportunities for collaboration and impact. She also looks forward to engaging the next generation of the Owens family (including 22 grandchildren) in the Foundation's work, ensuring its legacy of service continues for years to come.
The leadership transition also recognizes the extraordinary service of Julie Owens Burns, who has served the Foundation for more than 25 years, including the past six as Executive Director. Julie will continue supporting operations and financial stewardship, ensuring continuity while supporting the Foundation’s mission and long-term vision.
Under Julie's leadership, the Foundation deepened its relationships with nonprofit partners and expanded its impact throughout the Chicago region. Her institutional knowledge, compassion, and unwavering commitment helped shepherd the Foundation into the trusted philanthropic partner it is today, and her leadership will continue to guide the organization as it enters its next chapter.
"I look forward to building on the extraordinary legacy created by my parents and stewarded by Julie. Together, with our nonprofit partners, we will continue using our resources to help create opportunities that help Chicago individuals, families and communities thrive.
About the Owens Foundation
The Owens Foundation is a private family foundation dedicated to creating opportunity through investments in workforce development, affordable housing, homelessness prevention, and other community-based initiatives. Since its founding in 1986, the Foundation has invested more than $45 million in organizations working to build stronger, more equitable communities throughout the Chicago region.
