Larry Owens

Director of Development, GA

Larry is the director of development in Georgia for Thornwell Home for Children, a ministry of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

During his professional career in corporate America, he identified himself as a “tent-maker” pastor of the Presbyterian Church (USA), serving three small but exuberant congregations successively in the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta while working in the marketplace. His dual involvement in the workplace and the Church gave him a unique perspective on living the faith in a consumer-driven culture.

Prior to joining Thornwell, he was president of Hospitality International, Inc., an Atlanta-based hotel company advertised as “the best little hotel company in America” with over 300 franchised locations in 35 states as well as the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Costa Rica.

Larry holds undergraduate degrees in Accounting and in Christian Education, along with master degrees in Divinity and in Christian Education, and recent advanced studies in theology at Columbia Theological Seminary.

When asked, “What do you tell others when you talk about Thornwell?” Larry said:

“The simple truth: Thornwell gives abused and abandoned kids a reason to believe again that they are valued and loved. Hope abounds around here! And the kids pick it up and build their lives around it.” ~ Larry Owens