diff --git a/lemur/authorities/service.py b/lemur/authorities/service.py
index 9a7ff6a2..1d3d2779 100644
--- a/lemur/authorities/service.py
+++ b/lemur/authorities/service.py
@@ -103,6 +103,10 @@ def create(kwargs):
 
     # the owning dl or role should have this authority associated with it
     owner_role = role_service.get_by_name(kwargs['ownerEmail'])
+
+    if not owner_role:
+        owner_role = role_service.create(kwargs['ownerEmail'])
+
     owner_role.authority = authority
 
     g.current_user.authorities.append(authority)