Previously, he served as Program Director at the Gill Foundation, the leading funder of LGBT equality in the nation. He has also held communication director roles for notable campaigns and organizations, including in the Colorado House of Representatives; the Colorado Republican Party; and Freedom for All Americans, an LGBT rights group.

Owen earned bachelor's degrees in English and political science from Colorado State University-Pueblo. He recently completed his Master of Arts degree in art history and visual culture with a focus on the art of Colonial New Mexico from Lindenwood University.