Staff Biography

Jim Allen
Visual Staff

Jim Allen has designed for and consulted with numerous bands, drum and bugle corps, and color guards over the past 30 years.  He served as the judge coordinator for the New York State Field Band Conference from 1998- 2001 and also served as the Northeast Regional Director for Winter Guard International (WGI) from 1998-2001.

 Additionally, Jim has been a member of the New York Federation of Contest Judges since its inception in 1975.  During that time, he has served in several capacities with the Federation—President, Visual Caption Coordinator, and Marching Band Caption coordinator.  He has served as an adjudicator for WGI, DCI, DCA and marching band festivals and championships throughout the United States.

From 1997-2007, Jim served as a consultant, visual tech and caption head for the Syracuse Brigadiers Senior drum and bugle corps—the 1997 and 1999-2002 DCA World Champions.   In 2008, he served as a consultant and visual tech for the Empire Statesmen. Jim is also the Assistant Band Director of the University of Buffalo Athletic Bands (marching band and pep band), a position he has held since 2002.

Professionally

Mr. Allen is an economic development consultant and directs an economic development agency in Amherst New York.

Additionally, Jim is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Graduate School of Architecture and Planning and the Law School of the State University of New York at Buffalo where he teaches courses in economic development, urban design, strategic planning and land use law. Mr. Allen is also a Policy Fellow with the University’s Institute on Local Governance and Regional Growth, specializing in economic policy and strategy.

Mr. Allen has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Masters degrees in Urban and Regional Planning and Public Administration.