Speaker Bios

Charles E. Allen

As Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (2007-2009), Charles E. Allen developed the department’s intelligence architecture, integrated its intelligence activities and ensured that they were continuously aligned with the department’s evolving priorities. He also accelerated and expanded the department’s processes for sharing intelligence with state and local security and law enforcement officials. Prior to being named to the Under Secretary post, he served as Assistant Secretary for Information Analysis and Chief of Intelligence, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (2005 – 2007).

Currently a principal at Chertoff Group, Allen brings to bear his extensive experience in intelligence program management, analysis and production; intelligence collection management; system acquisition and warning intelligence. His key areas of focus include: homeland security threat assessments and information sharing programs, counterterrorism and counter-proliferation threat analysis, critical infrastructure risk assessments, crisis and risk management and corporate strategic planning.

During his more than 40 years at the CIA, his last career position there being Assistant Director of Central Intelligence for Collection (1998-2005), Allen became as much a legend as a respected senior official. He earned a reputation for plain speaking, even when his opinions differed from those of senior officials. He revolutionized the way the various national intelligence agencies coordinate and target their activities.

In the same vein, he chaired the National Intelligence Collection Board, which united all intelligence agencies under common collection strategies. He also served as the CIA’s National Intelligence Officer for Warning, Director of the National Warning Staff, National Intelligence Officer for Counterterrorism and Deputy Chief for Intelligence of the CIA’s Counterterrorism Center. Further, he directed the DCI Hostage Location Task Force, which focused on locating American hostages held by Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Allen is a graduate of the University of North Carolina and a distinguished graduate of the Air War College; he also did graduate studies at Auburn University.