Andrea Owen serves as Vice President for Blais and Associates and has 10 years of experience in the grant research and funding industry including federal, state, regional, and foundation programs. Her accomplishments include securing over $134.9 million in grant wins (as lead writer) and leading some of the most complex grant and loan applications in the industry using strong project management skills and persistence. Andrea is collaborative and supportive of her clients and possesses unique skills that encourage teams to work together for a common purpose. She regularly leads 10+ member teams in support of efforts to secure CA HCD Affordable Housing, Sustainable Communities grant funds, and State Revolving Fund loan funds. Andrea’s portfolio of winning applications encompass a variety of topics including transportation, parks and recreation, housing and community development, water, and justice.

Elisa specializes in innovation and economic development at Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG). Prior to WRCOG she worked at San Bernardino County’s Economic Development Agency where she worked closely with private industry, the brokerage community and local stakeholders to bring job creation and capital investment to the County. She facilitated the occupancy of over 3 million square feet of real estate space for end-users, ranging from small businesses to major corporate brands that led to the creation of over 3,000 jobs and assisted in obtaining over $4.3 million in tax credits for businesses.

As a California Native and longtime resident of the Inland Empire, Elisa is heavily involved with the region and is passionate about its development efforts. She served as the Inland Empire, Vice President for the Southern CA Chapter of CoreNet Global and was nominated for 2018 Young Leader of the Year, she serves on the Inland Empire Programs Committee and the Developing Leaders Committee for NAIOP Southern California Chapter and is a Graduate of the Inland Empire Economic Partnership’s Leadership Academy.

Elisa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and a Master of Public Administration degree from California State University of San Bernardino as well as a Master’s in Corporate Real Estate designation through CoreNet Global.