Allen joined the Advisory Council in 2001 after serving for six years on the NOLS Board of Trustees including the last eighteen months as Chair. He is a four-course NOLS grad, was an active NOLS instructor for ten years, retiring after the 2006 summer season, and a NOLS parent. Allen has been connected with NOLS since volunteering to help raise money for the Next Step Expedition Capital Campaign which started in 1992. Allen also spearheaded the establishment of a scholarship endowment for New Mexicans.

Educated at Bucknell University (B.A. '63) and The Fletcher School at Tufts (M.A. '64). He is a Past President of the Rotary Club of Santa Fe. He and his wife, Geraldine, are enjoying their semi-retired life in Santa Fe, NM and Pagosa Springs, CO. Their three sons, Gavin, Pete, and Dave are all NOLS grads.