Russell P. Allen previously served as Executive Director of Orlando Ballet where he worked to continue to build on the organization's successes as a growing force in classical ballet. During his tenure, Allen partnered with Ballet legends Bruce Marks and Fernando Bujones and helped Orlando Ballet realize unprecedented growth. Prior to joining Orlando Ballet, Mr. Allen was General Manager for both The Atlanta Opera and The Virginia Opera. He has also served as an independent arts consultant in numerous cities across the United States, and has had significant involvement with the OPERA America Field Services Program and the National Endowment for the Arts On-Site Review Program. Mr. Allen also worked for sixteen years in symphony management. He served as Vice President/General Manager of the Phoenix Symphony from 1986 to 1994 and in other senior management positions with the Jacksonville, Shreveport, Houston and San Antonio Symphonies. As a leader in the cultural arena, Mr. Allen has been active on grants panels with, among others, the Maryland State Arts Council, the Arizona Commission on the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Mr. Allen was a member of the Valley Leadership Institute in Phoenix and a legislative sub-committee of the Virginia General Assembly on the state’s arts funding. He also served as Chairman of the Executive Directors Council and on the Board of Directors of the Cultural Alliance of Greater Hampton Roads. Mr. Allen is a member of the 1999-2000 class of the Civic Leadership Institute in Norfolk, VA. He graduated with a double major in English and Music from Macalester College, and he also studied accounting at the University of Houston.