Prior to joining us, Allen served for 11 years as rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in LaGrange, Georgia. Along with that parish work, he served as a convocational dean, on the Commission on Ministry for the Diocese of Atlanta, and on the faculty for “Learning to Lead,” the diocesan class for clergy in new positions. Teaching, vocational discernment, and learning alongside others are important to his work.

Writing is a passion of Allen's, whether for sermons, articles, or the short novel he's been trying to finish for a few years. He also loves listening to all kinds of music, and like just about everyone on the planet, "Ted Lasso" has become a favorite show. He is a big fan of Liverpool Football Club in the English Premier League and is excited about Charlotte's very own MLS team! Allen and his wife, Casey, have two girls, Abby Grace (16) and Ila (12). As a family they love to travel, and have enjoyed trips to Italy, Ukraine, the Grand Canyon, Northern California, and England. Casey and Allen both like to cook, but perhaps most enjoy hiking and sitting by our favorite north Georgia creek.