Allen offers a leader’s perspective, having served as chief operating officer of a hospital system, general manager of a large human services agency and a leader of consulting businesses. He also built an analytical office in New York City government and was an analyst for the Congressional Budget Office. He works both sides of the hard/soft divide expertly, drawing upon education and experience in public policy, an operations management background and training in organizational development. Allen understands operations management, labor relations and personnel processes, budgeting, performance management, business and policy analysis and change management methods. His training includes a master’s degree in urban planning from Harvard, a BA from Dartmouth, and certificates in negotiation and in leadership development.