Elizabeth M. Allen

Allen is a native of Buffalo, New York. She graduated from Williamsville South High School in Williamsville, New York in 2002. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in political science and sociology from the State University of New York at Geneseo, where she graduated magna cum laude and phi beta kappa.{{Cite web|title=Bio - Elizabeth M. Allen - WEDF|url=http://www.wedf.org/bio-elizabeth-m-allen|access-date=2020-08-11|website=www.wedf.org}}{{Cite web |title=Elizabeth M. Allen |url=https://www.state.gov/biographies/elizabeth-m-allen/ |access-date=2022-11-16 |website=United States Department of State |language=en-US}}

As an undergraduate, Allen served as an intern at the United States Department of State, where she specialized in human trafficking and international women's issues.{{Cite web |author=Politico Staff |date=7 November 2019 |title=BIRTHDAY OF THE DAY: Liz Allen, SVP at the Glover Park Group |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2019/11/07/playbook-birthday-liz-allen-067261 |url-access=subscription |access-date=2020-08-11 |website=POLITICO |language=en}}

File:Elizabeth M. Allen is Sworn in as Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs.jpg, at the U.S. Department of State on September 13, 2021.]]

After graduating from college, Allen served as the associate director of operations for the 2008 Democratic National Convention. She later joined Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign and worked on the 2009 Inauguration.

From 2009 until 2013, Allen was a member of the communications team for Vice President Joe Biden, and was promoted to serve as deputy director of communications. From 2014 to 2015, she served as the director of public affairs and strategic communication for the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.{{Cite web|title=Liz Allen|url=https://gpg.com/team/liz-allen/|access-date=2020-08-11|website=Glover Park Group}} From 2015 to 2017, Allen served as the White House deputy communications director. While working for Obama, she planned several "first time" presidential events, such as Obama's visit to the Arctic Circle and his meeting with federal inmates in Oklahoma.

File:Secretary_Blinken_Holds_a_Global_Workforce_Town_Hall_(52648447236).jpg

Allen left as a partner at Finsbury Glover Hering (FGH) when President Biden appointed her as assistant secretary of state for global public affairs on August 25, 2021.{{Cite web|date=2021-08-25|title=President Biden Announces Elizabeth M. Allen as Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs|url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/08/25/president-biden-announces-elizabeth-m-allen-as-assistant-secretary-of-state-for-global-public-affairs/|access-date=2021-08-25|website=The White House|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=Mucha|first=Sarah|title=First look: Biden appoints campaign veteran Liz Allen to State Department|url=https://www.axios.com/biden-liz-allen-state-department-communications-2f06e2fe-5cbd-49d9-9af8-34713e749d5b.html|access-date=2021-08-25|website=Axios| date=25 August 2021 |language=en}} She was sworn in on September 13, 2021.{{cite news|title=Elizabeth Allen|publisher=United States Department of State|access-date=}} Allen has been a central figure in U.S. government's efforts to both combat disinformation surrounding the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine and increase support for the Ukrainian people and their government in their war with the Russians.{{Cite web | url=https://www.politico.com/news/2022/03/02/u-s-russians-putin-regime-change-00013249 | title=The U.S. Is pushing Russians to defy Putin. But don't call it regime change | website=Politico | date=2 March 2022 }}

On April 4, 2022, Secretary of State Antony Blinken delegated to her the functions and authorities of the under secretary of state for public diplomacy and public affairs. On January 23, 2023, President Biden nominated Allen for the permanent role of undersecretary.{{cite web |title=President Biden Announces Key Nominees |url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/01/23/president-biden-announces-key-nominees-36/ |website=The White House |access-date=11 June 2023 |date=23 January 2023}} A hearing on her nomination was held before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on March 15, 2023. The committee favorably reported her nomination to the Senate on May 3, 2023.{{cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/nomination/118th-congress/138|title=PN138 — Elizabeth Allen — Department of State|website=congress.gov|access-date=June 13, 2023}} On June 12, 2023, the United States Senate invoked cloture on her nomination by a 66–29 vote.{{cite web|url=https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1181/vote_118_1_00153.htm|title=On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture: Elizabeth Allen to be Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy)|website=US Senate|access-date=June 13, 2023}} On June 13, 2023, Allen was confirmed by a 66–33 vote.{{cite web|url=https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1181/vote_118_1_00154.htm|title=On the Nomination (Confirmation: Elizabeth Allen, of New York, to be Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy)|website=US Senate|access-date=June 13, 2023}}

During her tenure as under secretary of state for public diplomacy and public affairs, Liz Allen focused on advancing U.S. foreign policy through strategic communication, cultural exchanges, and countering foreign malign influence.{{Cite web |date=January 2, 2024 |title=2024 Priorities |url=https://twitter.com/UnderSecPD/status/1742240650873970846}} Her tenure involved a proactive approach to harnessing innovative technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), to modernize public diplomacy initiatives. Notably, she participated in the Krach Institute's Annual Tech Freedom Summit on November 8, 2023, alongside Michelle Guida, the former acting senior State official for public diplomacy under the Trump administration, emphasizing the role of emerging technology and AI in public diplomacy.{{Cite web |title=Public Diplomacy – An Approach to Securing High Tech: A Conversation Between Under Secretary Elizabeth M. Allen and Krach Institute CEO Michelle Guida |url=https://www.state.gov/public-diplomacy-an-approach-to-securing-high-tech/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=United States Department of State |language=en}}

Under Secretary Allen concentrated on enhancing the scope of cultural and exchange programs under the Educational and Cultural Affairs Bureau. On September 27, 2023, the bureau, under her guidance, launched the State Department Global Music Diplomacy Initiative, using music as a diplomatic tool to support U.S. foreign policy goals. This initiative was inaugurated with a high-profile event featuring Quincy Jones, who received the inaugural Peace Through Music Award.{{Cite web |title=U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken Launches Global Music Diplomacy Initiative, Music Icon and Former U.S. Jazz Ambassador Music Director Quincy Jones Receives Inaugural Peace Through Music Award |url=https://www.state.gov/u-s-secretary-of-state-antony-j-blinken-launches-global-music-diplomacy-initiative-music-icon-and-former-u-s-jazz-ambassador-music-director-quincy-jones-receives-inaugural-peace-through-music-awar/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=United States Department of State |language=en}} Furthermore, Allen has strengthened U.S. global youth programs, as evidenced by her participation in the Mandela Washington Fellowship Summit for Young African Leaders on August 2, 2023, and the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) in Bali, Indonesia, on December 4, 2023.{{Cite web |title=Secretary Blinken to Deliver Remarks at the Mandela Washington Fellowship Summit for Young African Leaders |url=https://www.state.gov/secretary-blinken-to-deliver-remarks-at-the-mandela-washington-fellowship-summit-for-young-african-leaders/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=United States Department of State |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Elizabeth M. Allen Celebrates the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative's 10th Anniversary |url=https://www.state.gov/under-secretary-of-state-for-public-diplomacy-and-public-affairs-elizabeth-m-allen-celebrates-the-young-southeast-asian-leaders-initiatives-10th-anniversary/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=United States Department of State |language=en}} On December 15, 2023, her team facilitated the expanded Memorandum of Understanding between the Smithsonian Institution and the State Department, aiming to enhance cultural, educational, and scientific collaboration. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of the Smithsonian Lonnie G. Bunch III signed the expanded memoranda on behalf of their respective organization.{{Cite web |title=Secretary Blinken to Deliver Remarks and Sign Memorandum of Understanding with the Smithsonian Institution |url=https://www.state.gov/secretary-blinken-to-deliver-remarks-and-sign-memorandum-of-understanding-with-the-smithsonian-institution/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=United States Department of State |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Magazine |first=Smithsonian |title=Smithsonian and the State Department Team Up for Global Impact |url=http://www.smithsonianmag.com/blogs/smithsonian-global/2023/12/21/smithsonian-and-the-state-department-team-up-for-global-impact/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=www.smithsonianmag.com |language=en}}

Allen has also emphasized strengthening the department's communication strategies to effectively counter foreign malign influence and disinformation. This included the establishment of bilateral partnerships through the department’s Global Engagement Center. Efforts under her leadership include the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Bulgarian deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs Mariya Gabriel on September 25, 2023, to combat disinformation and media manipulation in Central and Eastern Europe.{{Cite web |title=U.S. and Bulgaria to Collaborate on Combatting Disinformation |url=https://www.state.gov/u-s-and-bulgaria-to-collaborate-on-combatting-disinformation/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=United States Department of State |language=en}} She also launched the inaugural U.S.-ROK Public Diplomacy Dialogue and signed an MOU with the Republic of Korea on December 1, 2023, alongside ROK Ministry of Foreign Affairs deputy minister for public affairs Ambassador Hong Seok-in, focusing on countering foreign information manipulation.{{Cite web |title=Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Elizabeth M. Allen Launches Inaugural U.S.-ROK Public Diplomacy Dialogue |url=https://www.state.gov/under-secretary-of-state-for-public-diplomacy-and-public-affairs-elizabeth-m-allen-launches-inaugural-u-s-rok-public-diplomacy-dialogue/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=United States Department of State |language=en}} Additionally, on December 6, 2023, Allen signed a memorandum of cooperation with Japan, in partnership with Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs press secretary, assistant minister, and director-general for press and public diplomacy Kobayashi Maki, to address the regional and global threat of information manipulation.{{Cite web |title=U.S. Signs Memorandum of Cooperation with Japan on Countering Foreign Information Manipulation |url=https://www.state.gov/u-s-signs-memorandum-of-cooperation-with-japan-on-countering-foreign-information-manipulation/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=United States Department of State |language=en}}

Throughout her term as under secretary, Allen traveled extensively, representing the United States, and engaging with foreign dignitaries, international forums, and local communities. Her travels included visits to France, Fiji, Vanuatu, Australia, Norway, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, the Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Japan, and culminated in the opening of the U.S.-ASEAN Center at the Arizona State University Barrett & O'Connor Washington Center in Washington, D.C. Her visits underscored the U.S.'s commitment to building global understanding and cooperation, and the importance of ASEAN countries in U.S. foreign policy.{{Cite web |title=Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Liz Allen Travels to France |url=https://www.state.gov/under-secretary-of-state-for-public-diplomacy-and-public-affairs-liz-allen-travels-to-france/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=United States Department of State |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Allen Travels to Fiji, Vanuatu, Australia, and Chile |url=https://www.state.gov/under-secretary-of-state-for-public-diplomacy-and-public-affairs-allen-travels-to-fiji-vanuatu-australia-and-chile/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=United States Department of State |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Elizabeth Allen's Travel to Norway, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic |url=https://www.state.gov/under-secretary-of-state-for-public-diplomacy-and-public-affairs-elizabeth-allens-travel-to-norway-bulgaria-and-the-czech-republic/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=United States Department of State |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Allen's Travel to the Republic of Korea, Indonesia, and Japan |url=https://www.state.gov/under-secretary-of-state-for-public-diplomacy-and-public-affairs-allens-travel-to-the-republic-of-korea-indonesia-and-japan/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=United States Department of State |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Under Secretary Allen Opens the U.S.-ASEAN Center in Washington, D.C. |url=https://www.state.gov/under-secretary-allen-opens-the-u-s-asean-center-in-washington-d-c/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=United States Department of State |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2023-12-19 |title=ASU inaugurates US-ASEAN Center in partnership with Department of State |url=https://news.asu.edu/20231219-global-engagement-asu-inaugurates-usasean-center-partnership-department-state |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=ASU News |language=en}}

Allen resigned from the State Department on August 2, 2024, to join the Harris campaign.{{cite web |last1=Blinken |first1=Antony J. |title=On the Departure of Elizabeth Allen |url=https://www.state.gov/on-the-departure-of-elizabeth-allen/ |access-date=3 August 2024 |website=United States Department of State |language=en}}

After the end of the Obama administration, Allen joined the Glover Park Group, a communications consulting firm (now called Finsbury Glover Hering), as senior vice president.{{Cite web|title=Revolving Door: Liz Allen Employment Summary {{!}} OpenSecrets|url=https://www.opensecrets.org/revolving/rev_summary.php?id=80779|access-date=2020-08-11|website=www.opensecrets.org}}{{Cite news|first=|date=|title=The poignant but complicated friendship of Joe Biden and Barack Obama|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/magazine/wp/2019/07/30/feature/the-poignant-but-complicated-friendship-of-joe-biden-and-barack-obama/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730180713/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/magazine/wp/2019/07/30/feature/the-poignant-but-complicated-friendship-of-joe-biden-and-barack-obama/ |archive-date=2019-07-30 |access-date=2020-09-15|newspaper=Washington Post|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Mustafa|first=Filiz|date=2020-10-16|title=Who is Liz Allen? Kamala Harris' communications director tests positive for Covid!|url=https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/10/16/liz-allen-kamala-harris/|access-date=2020-10-16|website=HITC|language=en-GB}}

In August 2020, Allen took a leave of absence from Glover Park Group to serve as communications director to Kamala Harris after she was announced as Joe Biden's running mate in the 2020 United States presidential election.{{Cite web|author=Jeff Zeleny, Dan Merica and Arlette Saenz|title=Joe Biden selects his running mate with announcement coming as early as Tuesday|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/11/politics/biden-vp-pick/index.html|access-date=2020-08-11|website=CNN|date=11 August 2020 }}{{cite web | url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/08/25/president-biden-announces-elizabeth-m-allen-as-assistant-secretary-of-state-for-global-public-affairs/ | title=President Biden Announces Elizabeth M. Allen as Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs | date=25 August 2021 }}{{Cite web|title=Biden campaign puts VP team in place ahead of announcement|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-election/biden-campaign-puts-vp-team-place-ahead-announcement-n1236359|access-date=2020-08-11|website=NBC News|date=11 August 2020 |language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Harris pays early dividends for Biden campaign|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2020/08/16/harris-breathes-life-into-biden-campaign-395804|access-date=2020-09-15|website=POLITICO|date=16 August 2020 |language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Epstein|first=Jennifer|title=Biden builds staff team for running mate before she is unveiled|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2020/08/11/biden-builds-staff-team-running-mate-before-she-unveiled/3343578001/|access-date=2020-09-15|website=The Detroit News|language=en-US}}

After serving in the Biden Administration for nearly three years, Allen joined the Harris Campaign as chief of staff for Tim Walz, the incumbent vice president's own running mate in the 2024 United States presidential election, after President Biden's withdrawal from the race in August of that year.{{cite news |last1=Crowley |first1=Michael |date=2 August 2024 |title=Senior U.S. Diplomat Will Lead Kamala Harris's Running Mate's Team |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/02/us/politics/elizabeth-allen-kamala-harris-campaign.html |work=The New York Times}}{{Cite web |last=Zremski |first=Jerry |date=10 August 2024 |title=Williamsville native takes role as Walz's top aide in VP campaign |url=https://buffalonews.com/news/nation-world/government-politics/elizabeth-allen-williamsville-tim-walz-aide-vice-presidential-campaign/article_8d60f4fc-5674-11ef-a520-538566ad0240.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=14 August 2024 |website=The Buffalo News}} At the time Allen took on the role, Harris had not yet chosen Walz as her running mate.{{Cite news |last1=Goldmacher |first1=Shane |last2=Rogers |first2=Katie |last3=Epstein |first3=Reid J. |last4=Glueck |first4=Katie |date=2024-08-07 |title=How Kamala Harris Trusted Her Gut and Picked Tim Walz |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/06/us/politics/harris-tim-walz-vp-pick.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-08-14 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

In April 2025, Allen was named as the new Chief External Affairs Officer at the NFL Players Association. In this role, she leads the union’s communications and public affairs strategy, ensuring that the priorities of NFL players are clearly represented to all stakeholders in football. Her work focuses on strengthening advocacy efforts and amplifying awareness of the union’s mission. https://nflpa.com/press/nfl-players-association-welcomes-liz-allen-as-chief-external-affairs-officer https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/04/07/nflpa-taps-former-biden-admin-official-as-chief-spokeswoman/ https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/nflpa-hires-liz-allen-to-serve-as-new-chief-external-affairs-officer

{{reflist}}

• [https://www.state.gov/biographies/elizabeth-m-allen/ Official biography], U.S. Department of State

{{Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Allen, Elizabeth M.}}

Category:Biden administration personnel

Category:Living people

Category:Obama administration personnel

Category:People from Buffalo, New York

Category:People from Williamsville, New York

Category:State University of New York at Geneseo alumni

Category:United States assistant secretaries of state

Category:United States under secretaries of state

Category:Year of birth missing (living people)