“Leading school improvement is very complicated work. That leader needs to transform both the operations and the academics of the school, two critical components of the school’s culture. It’s not easy, and only a few have mastery of both. Dr. Allen does; he has both the practical experience and the academic knowledge to be an expert in both operations and academics. ”

“Lionel Allen is a rare educational leader shaped by rich and varied experience.”

“Dr. Lionel Allen is such a transformational leader with time-tested experience, keen insight and administrative expertise. Having served with distinction as a leader in urban schools from K-12, Dr. Allen is known for his instructional leadership, cultural competence and ability to produce tremendous results in some of the most challenging schools.”

“For nearly five decades, I have been involved in the education of students K-12. Along the way, I have met, hired, coached and mentored many talented educators. One of those exceptional educators is Dr. Lionel Allen Jr. Dr. Allen represents the renaissance of bold, visionary, courageous and humble leadership. He is extremely knowledgeable in the domains of school improvement, culture and climate building and leadership coaching.”

“It is clear that great leaders are essential for the great schools our children deserve. As an Education Pioneer, fresh out of the Harvard G.S.E., I cannot imagine a better mentor to initiate me in real world educational leadership than Lionel Allen. For two years, we worked together- ‘green light thinking,’ often at a shared desk- on the successful transformation of a network of schools. During this apprenticeship, I learned the practical value of patience, listening, and relationships- the ‘how to’ of engaging everyone in the process. Thus, I direct anyone interested in impactful human capital development straight to Lionel Allen. His knowledge and experience in real urban school leadership is unparalleled. ”