Don Allen

Operating Lead, Propel

Provides oversight for the Office of the CTO/CIO across portfolio companies, providing guidance on technology policies, processes, and systems.

Conducts technology, data, and information security assessments as part of new platform diligence and underwriting efforts.

Partners with portfolio companies to advise on and, when needed, directly support technology initiatives and implementations. Champions the adoption of emerging technologies (such as AI and automation) to enhance operational efficiency and technology performance.

Establishes and maintains information security standards across Unity Partners and its portfolio companies.

MS in Information Systems from the University of Maryland Graduate School. BS in Computer Science from University of Maryland, College Park.

Where I spent my childhood, and where have I been since?

I grew up in the south, bouncing between Texas and Alabama. My dad was a textile plant manager and entrepreneur, so we moved around as industries and opportunities shifted.  I joined the Navy to see the world, which mostly consisted of southeast Asia, the Persian Gulf, and southern Japan.  I spent just over 20 years in Seattle and now reside in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Fun fact about me

One of my family’s entrepreneurial pursuits was a small chain of video stores, where I worked during high school and college. If you are heading to trivia night and expect a movie category, I am your guy.  I have years of otherwise worthless movie trivia to offer.

Where you’ll find me on a Saturday morning

I have officially caught the pickleball bug so you will find me on the court early on weekend days blaming my paddle, shoes, or other inanimate objects for mishits and net shots. I like to follow that with a swim when weather and time permits.

My favorite quote

One day Alice came to a fork in the road and saw a Cheshire cat in a tree. “Which road do I take?”, she asked. “Where do you want to go?”, he responded. “I don’t know”, Alice answered. “Then” said the cat, “it doesn’t matter.” – something to consider when asking for or giving advice.

First job

My first job was loading sand into an exceptionally large sandblaster for my dad’s construction company; followed by shoveling that same sand after use. I think there’s a Zen koan hidden somewhere in there, but what I learned from it is that I dislike sand.

Favorite workout routines

I try and diversify my workouts to keep it interesting. I pick a new challenge every year.  This has led me to complete a half marathon, weight-lifting challenges, and hopefully a full marathon next year.  Those challenges aside, I enjoy martial arts and have practiced Judo and Japanese Jujitsu for around 30 years.