Former St. Clair College Board of Governors Chair Dan Allen was one of 25 people to be appointed recently to the Order of Ontario, the province’s highest honour.
Allen was recognized by Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, in January for his public service.
In the citation, Allen was described as "a devoted public servant, tenacious community advocate, and dedicated fundraiser," as well as a "celebrated champion of diversity."
Allen began his public service career in 1972 and has worked in all three levels of government. "In these roles and as a consultant he has led the way for meaningful change initiatives," the citation reads.
Allen became a board member in September 2013 and was elected chair of the St. Clair Board of Governors in 2018.
Allen began a public service career in 1972 and held a variety of roles with the same organization, now known as Service Canada. While working as the HRDC Director, he forged strong community partnerships between the federal government and city/county administrations. From 2002 to 2005, Allen was the Senior Advisor on Equity and Diversity working in Ottawa and Gatineau. He returned to Windsor in April 2005 and until his retirement in April 2006, served as the Director of the Greater Ontario Area for Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Of the many assignments, he had while employed in the federal public service, one of the most rewarding was his leadership role with the Equity and Diversity portfolio at the regional and national levels. This work gave him the opportunity to influence positive change in the public service with respect to the hiring and employment of visible minorities, aboriginals and persons with disabilities. In 2003, the President of the Treasury Board presented him with the Equity Diversity Award in recognition of his work in this area.
From 1994 - 1997, Allen served the Windsor community directly as a City Councilor, during which time he was active on a number of municipal committees and boards. From 1998 until his departure for Ottawa in April 2002, Allen was a member of the Windsor Police Services Board, serving as the Vice-Chair in 2001 and 2002.
Since retiring, Allen has been involved in a variety of consulting activities and has continued to be active in volunteer work.
Allen is married to Pamela, has a son and two grandsons.