Supervisor Ted Owens was born in Texas but raised in Northern California. Growing up in a family of outdoor enthusiasts, his upbringing involved a great deal of skiing, backpacking, fishing and hunting.

Ted majored in Political Science at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, after which he worked as a government affairs manager for an insurance trade association. In 1989, he made Truckee his home and joined the family construction business--hanging up the "suits and ties", at least for a time.

Ted is a member of the Truckee Rotary Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and a charter member and past president of the Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe. From 1999 to 2001 he served as a Truckee Planning Commissioner before taking a seat on the Town Council, where he served until 2004. In 2003, Ted was selected Mayor and in 2004, Ted was elected to the Nevada County Board of Supervisors representing District 5. He was selected Chairman of the Board in 2005 and 2008, and served on the county's Budget Sub-Committee for three years. In 2008 he was re-elected to a second term after running unopposed.

Supervisor Owens' issues of concern include striking that balance between our environment and planning for our future. Of major importance is the economic health, development and diversification of our county and its residents. He believes in strong regional government cooperation and standing up for the rural counties of California. Ted believes government should be smaller, more efficient and respect the taxpayer's dollar.

As Supervisor, Ted serves on several committees and commissions, including Capital Facilities Planning, the Local Agency Formation Commission, the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District Board, the Central Sub-region Board under the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, and the Land Use Efficiency Committee. He also serves on the California State Association of Counties Board of Directors and is the Nevada County representative to the National Association of Counties.

Ted, his wife Sara and daughter Cleo enjoy living in eastern Nevada County where Truckee will always be home.