Jaylene C. Owen is a dedicated Industrial Organizational (I/O) Practitioner with a passion for helping people and organizations thrive by building more effective and efficient work environments. Since 2016, Jaylene has served as the HR and Payroll Director for Hames Corporation, a family-owned business where the fourth and fifth generations now actively contribute to its 75-year legacy in Southeast Alaska. Known for her visionary approach, Jaylene is deeply invested in the success and well-being of her community on the island of Sitka.
Jaylene’s career is marked by a colorful array of experiences, including an unexpected involvement in one of the most brazen casino robberies in United States history—making her journey to I/O practitioner anything but ordinary! Driven by a commitment to community and personal growth, she empowers individuals to reach their fullest potential, and her story of starting from scratch to create resilient workplaces was recently featured in the book Center the Pendulum. With an HRCI PHR certification, three degrees—including a Master’s from Austin Peay State University—and membership in the International Honor Society in Psychology, Psi Chi, Jaylene brings a unique blend of strategic insight and life experience to her work.
Living and working on a remote, rural island with only 14 miles of road, approximately 8,000 residents, and access limited to boat or plane, Jaylene has cultivated a perspective of adaptability, resilience, and innovation. Her home in Sitka comes with some unique neighbors, too—about 1,500 brown bears roam the island, adding a bit of “wildlife HR” to her skill set. Inspired daily by the temperate rainforests and ocean views, Jaylene is committed to transforming challenges into opportunities and building supportive, thriving environments for both individuals and businesses.
