Allen to lead tech council

Kenneth Allen, an executive with many years of information technology experience, was named today the new executive director of the American Council for Technology (ACT) and its Industry Advisory Council (IAC).

Allen replaces Joiwind Ronen, who was the executive director for the past two years.

"I'm coming into an organization that has nothing but tremendous opportunities," Allen said. "We need to increase our government involvement, let more people know what IAC and ACT bring to the table. The forum is unique among Washington, [D.C.,] organizations where government and industry are working on a common vision."

Allen, executive director of the Partnership for Public Warning, a public-private group working to improve America's public warning system, has a long resume that includes public and private-sector work and experience in IT.

Prior to his work at the partnership, Allen was executive vice president and chief executive officer of the National Newspaper Association. He also previously served as senior vice president for government relations and president of the Information Industry Association.

He also spent 10 years at the Office of Management and Budget, where he was a senior staff member in the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. His responsibilities included oversight of executive branch IT activities and the development of major information policies.

"We are excited to welcome Ken Allen as our new executive director," said Barry West, president of ACT. "His knowledge of government will be a valuable asset to the organization as we move into the future. More importantly, he understands the value of public/private partnerships and knows how to forge effective relationships with leaders in both government and industry."