Allan is a second generation American, child of depression era parents, world war, and cold war nuclear anxiety. His most formative years were as a grad student at Berkeley in the 60s, participating in the Free Speech Movement, the civil rights movement, the anti-war movement and a year teaching at Miles College in Birmingham. All the while clinging to a student deferment as an alternative to going to Vietnam or fleeing to Canada.

After a brief career as a college professor, Allan embarked on a long career as a facilitator of learning in community mental health, corporate and non-profit organizations, focusing on communication skills, continuous improvement, strategic planning, and team development. When he was able to release himself from the job world, he followed his heart to focus on issues of global justice and equity, community development, and progressive philanthropy. He is a founding member of Pangea Giving, Grantmakers without Borders, the Washington Fair Trade Coalition, and the Community Alliance for Global Justice. He has also served on the Boards of Treehouse and Health Alliance International. The joys of his life are a long, happy marriage, a couple of grand kids and their wonderful parents, gardening, hiking, art, and a winning Mariners team.