Heather Owen joined the Stanford athletic department in 2008 and has served in several roles, culminating in her promotion to associate athletics director for development in 2014.
In her current role, Owen leads Stanford's development, stewardship and event efforts. Areas comprising Stanford’s fundraising efforts include annual giving, major gifts and donor relations, with the athletic department being financially independent from the university.
Prior to serving as the associate athletics director for development, Owen was the senior assistant athletic director for annual giving, as she oversaw the Buck/Cardinal Club from 2012-14. Owen was the director of annual giving for leadership gifts from 2008-12.
A standout basketball player, Owen played for legendary head coach Tara VanDeerver from 1994-98 before graduating from Stanford with a degree in political science.
Owen played professionally in the WNBA and abroad while also pursuing a law degree from Santa Clara, which she earned in 2003.
Owen practiced law at DLA Piper for several years before returning to The Farm.