Allen, 47, is a 24-year career veteran of the Service. In his new position, Allen will oversee Service programs in Alaska that employ approximately 450 full time federal employees plus hundreds of part time and volunteer workers. The programs include management of marine mammals, such as polar bears, sea otters and walrus, and administration of the Endangered Species Act, and Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Allen also oversees management of 77 million acres of national wildlife refuges in Alaska, and a staff of special agents who enforce wildlife protection laws. In addition, Allen will represent the Service on the Federal Subsistence Board, which manages subsistence hunting and fishing on Federal public lands in accordance with the provision in the Alaska National Interests Lands Conservation Act.
Prior to coming to Alaska in 1991, Allen was the deputy regional director for 7 years in the Services Southeast Region, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Other previously held positions include the National Aquarium Director in Washington, D.C. and a staff position with the Services Division of Fishery Research. He also served for 5 years as assistant regional director for fishery resources for the Services Northeast Region, headquartered in ton Corner, Massachusetts. In addition, for the past 3 years he has been the U.S. National Contact for the Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna Program involving resource conservation agencies and indigenous peoples representative groups from all eight arctic countries.
"I was attracted to Alaska, as many people are from the Lower 48, for the adventure and the opportunity to work in a part of the country where fish and wildlife resources and their habitats are still found to be in a pristine condition. In my line of work, this job is the continuation of a dream come true," said Allen. "Thus far, working in Alaska with the widely diverse resource and conservation issues has been a very humbling experience. My top priority as Regional Director will be to build on our past efforts to more fully involve the public on important resource decisions and to foster partnerships with the other State and Federal resource managers based on sound conservation principles. While it can be challenging at times, it is truly a pleasure to work in a State where its people place the highest priority an fish and wildlife conservation. I hope to be able to work positively and effectively with all groups of Alaskans who depend on the States living resources for their subsistence needs, economic livelihoods, recreational opportunities, and just plain quality of life." said Allen.
Allen, his wife Gerri, and daughters Jennifer and Katherine reside in Anchorage.
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