Shaun Owen is the Deputy Chief of Staff, Director of Consolidated Federal Initiatives and State Ombudsman at the Georgia Department of Education.  She leads the Consolidation of Funds Initiative, which combines local, state, and up to 12 federal funds to gain greater flexibility and allowability and she oversees Equitable Services.  Shaun has worked at the GaDOE since 2008 where she has led several statewide initiatives such as the Governor’s Directive for Resource Development and previously was a decorated classroom teacher and business owner.   Shaun has served as the president of the National Council of State Social Studies Specialists and started the Collaborative of State Ombudsmen in the Spring of 2017 to help facilitate cooperation and develop support for this new position under ESSA.  Shaun earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership, and a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership.  Shaun’s passion is improving education for all students.