Meet The Town Administrator

Town Administrator Laura Allen joined the Town staff on September 3, 2013.

Where are you from (professionally)?

For the past five years I have served as the City Manager at the Town of Colma, California which is 15 minutes south of San Francisco. Prior to that position, I was Colma’s Assistant City Manager. I have also worked for the cities of Berkeley, California and Phoenix, Arizona.

What is your personal history?

I was born in Easton, Maryland. My father was in the U.S. Air Force, so my family moved around all the time. My parents brought my brothers and me to St. Michaels and Neavitt, MD, in Talbot County, during summer vacations and Christmas holidays when we were growing up to see family and so we’d have a sense of home. The Eastern Shore has a very special place in my heart!

What personal and professional qualities do you bring to your position?

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Masters in Public Administration along with over 18 years of experience working in the public sector. I recently graduated from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Leadership program and the Senior Executive Institute (SEI) at the University of Virginia, Darden Graduate School of Business. I am an ICMA credentialed manager and a Certified Public Finance Officer as well.

On a personal level, I bring a strong work ethic, and a commitment to continuous improvement along with a sense of caring for the people I work with and the community I serve.

What attracted you to Berlin? To the position?

Berlin is a great community with something wonderful happening every weekend! Everyone I’ve met has been very friendly and easy to work with. Accepting the Town Administrator position enabled me to move home.

On a professional level, Berlin is larger than the community I managed in California, and provides some services, such as utilities which will be new to me. I know that I’ll enjoy learning these aspects of municipal services.

What are you looking forward to about working in Berlin?

Working with the Mayor and Council to implement their priorities and reach their goals. Getting to know the residents and business owners in Town is also on the top of my priority list. I am also looking forward to getting to know the Town employees and working collaboratively with them.

Anything else you’d like to share?

My husband Mark and I have been married for over 24 years. When I’m not working I like to run, take photographs, travel and garden.

Although you’ve only been here a short time, are there any thoughts or ideas you’d like to share about the Town, its employees, etc.?

Everyone has been so friendly and welcoming; I really feel that I have come home.