News Releases

Owens Names Page New Workforce and Economic Development Leader

Charlene Page

An executive leader with nearly two decades of experience in economic and business development, Charlene Page has been hired as Executive Director, Workforce and Economic Development at Owens Community College, pending board approval. Page will serve on the Executive Leadership Team and report to Owens President Dr. Dione D. Somerville.

Page joined Owens in November 2023 as the Senior Advisor to the President for Workforce and Economic Development Partnerships. In this role she worked closely with the Workforce department as well as community partners to increase engagement opportunities.

“Charlene has a proven track record with nearly two decades of experience in economic development,” Somerville said. “She believes in collaboration and the power of partnerships to improve the lives of members in our community through education and career opportunities. Charlene’s experiences as a strategic leader make her a valuable addition to the Executive Leadership Team, Owens and the region as a whole.”

Prior to her role at Owens, Page held the position of Regional Talent Manager for JobsOhio and the Regional Growth Partnership, where she developed employee recruitment and training plans to support regional economic development projects.

She also worked as an International Business Development Representative for Oakland County, Michigan specializing in assisting multinational companies grow their operations in the U.S. She brings extensive experience in sales and organizational development to her role here at Owens.

Page earned a bachelor’s degree in Management and Organizational Development from Spring Arbor University and holds certifications as an Economic Development Finance Professional and Certified Global Business Professional. She also currently serves on the Owens Community College Foundation Board.