Representative Bill Allen grew up in Kansas City, Kansas, in a single-parent household below the poverty line. At 16, he was sent to a children's home in Arkansas. That experience never left him, and it shapes every vote he takes. Allen represents District 17 in the Missouri House of Representatives, covering the Northland communities of Kansas City, Pleasant Valley, Claycomo, Randolph, and Birmingham. He was first elected in 2022 and is committed to representing every constituent — regardless of party — with fairness and respect. Before coming to Jefferson City, Allen served nearly 26 years in the United States Navy, enlisting as a sailor and earning his commission through Officer Candidate School before retiring as a Lieutenant Commander. He went on to serve as a federal Job Corps Center Director and built a career in higher education as a Professor, Dean, Provost, and Vice Chancellor. Allen holds a B.S. in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, an MBA from Troy University, and a Ph.D. in Management from Capella University. Bill lives in Kansas City with his wife, Marta. They have three children. He is active in the Northland Chamber of Commerce, East Clay County Rotary Club, and Knights of Columbus. He plays bass in the community fundraising band Basement Trash and attends St. James Catholic Church in Liberty.
