Maura Allen

Maura Allen serves as Chief Program Officer for Share Our Strength. In this role, Maura leads the organization’s program team, which expands access to nutrition programs, addresses the root causes of hunger, strengthens economic mobility, and builds collective action to end childhood hunger. 

For more than two decades, Maura has led programs and teams around the world focused on improving food security, expanding economic opportunity, and creating lasting change for communities and families. Her leadership reflects a systems perspective and a deep commitment to locally led, sustainable solutions. Before joining Share Our Strength, Maura worked at ACDI/VOCA, advancing through multiple roles to Chief Program Officer. Additional experience includes tenure at Chemonics International, Improving Economies for Stronger Communities, and Counterpart International. Maura began her career in the Peace Corps in Senegal. 

A Massachusetts native raised in Michigan, Maura earned her undergraduate degree in International Relations at Michigan State University and Master of Arts in Global Commerce and Policy (formerly International Transactions) at George Mason University. She lives in Washington, DC, with her husband. 

What’s your "why?" My parents raised me to be curious about the world and to care about people. They also instilled in me a belief that we all have a role to play in creating a brighter future for everyone. The opportunity to focus on positive outcomes for children and families comes from that belief and motivates me every day. 

My idea of fun is: Many things! I love to travel and experience new cultures and places. I paint and draw, write, read, spend quality time with my husband and friends and family, exercise, grow flowers, watch baseball (Go Detroit Tigers!), play with my cat, and more.