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Introduction of Common Council Legislative Analyst: Heather Allen
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HEATHER ALLEN
BIOGRAPHY
Born and raised in Madison Wisconsin, Ms. Allen attended the University of Madison, Wisconsin, earning a B.S. in Conservation Biology and International Relations. Upon completion of her M.A. from the Monterey Institute of International Studies Ms. Allen was awarded the Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship which led to a job in the Office of International Affairs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Washington D.C. At NOAA, Ms. Allen researched and wrote policy analysis on international scientific data exchange as well as cooperative efforts to reduce land based pollution the marine environment. She worked directly with NOAA leadership, representatives from other federal agencies, international organizations and nations.
Ms. Allen later served as an International Advocate at the Natural Resources of Defense Council also in D.C. where she led the organization's Global Safe Water Project with the goal of increasing access to safe water and sanitation for people around the world. Her work also included leading policy development for the NRDC on the finance, adaptation and technology elements of climate conferences in Copenhagen (2009) and Cancun (2010). Upon returning to Madison Wisconsin in 2011, Ms. Allen continued to consult on projects for the Natural Resources Defense Council. Most recently Ms. Allen worked with the Clean Lakes Alliance as their Policy and Program Manager, leading initiatives ranging from Dane County budget analysis and policy development to outreach and coordination for community engagement. She is thrilled to bring all this experience to her new position as the Common Council Legislative Analyst.