Bill Allen
Chief Executive
Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp.
Bill Allen, chief executive of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp. (LAEDC), launched the first strategic plan for economic development in Los Angeles, a task that required moderating 26 public meetings and working with more than 1,000 regional stakeholders from across business, labor, government, education and philanthropy. The current 2016-2020 update of the plan is being implemented under the name Propel LA. Allen has led the nonprofit LAEDC since joining the organization in 2005, and oversees its subsidiary, the World Trade Center Los Angeles. He chairs the California Stewardship Network and is vice chairman of the Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley. He sits on boards for Weingart Foundation, Film L.A., Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, Los Angeles Coalition for the Economy and Jobs, Unite L.A., Sister Cities of Los Angeles Inc., BIOCOM and the CSUN Center for Southern California Studies, as well as the steering committee for the annual California Economic Summit. A former TV executive, Allen served as president of MTM Television and owns Meadowlane Enterprises Inc., which licenses classic TV shows, and Meadowlane Music Inc., a music publisher.
What was your proudest moment?
When my wife Marie agreed to marry me and when our three children graduated from college.
What is your alma mater?
University of Southern California
What is your next project?
The LAEDC has just launched a new Center for a Competitive Workforce with our partners at the LA Chamber and the LA/OC Regional Consortium of 19 community colleges to produce labor market research on the talent development pipeline and employment needs of key industry clusters in the region, validate that research through industry councils and engage key employers to help develop and refine curriculum and programs to ensure residents of LA County are well prepared for the jobs and careers of the future.
Who is your hero?
My father Steve Allen who grew up in a poor family without a father in his life and yet became a successful author, composer and television personality who created and was the first host of the Tonight Show. Even more inspiring to me, he was an ever-present and loving dad who taught me innumerable lessons about character and gave back to his community and society throughout his entire adult life.
What do you like best about Los Angeles?
The boundless creativity and cultural diversity of the people of L.A. energize and inspire me every day.
