William J. Allen

William J. Allen is a Senior Fellow in International and Public Affairs at the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, Brown University. He holds adjunct faculty roles at Providence College and Boston College School of Social Work. His expertise spans Children & Families, Entrepreneurship, Health & Welfare, and State & Municipal Policy, with a focus on nonprofit practice and social entrepreneurship.

• Education: BA in Philosophy (Saint John’s Seminary College), MSP in Social Planning (Boston College).
• Experience: Senior leadership roles at United Way organizations, including Executive Vice President of Community Services and Interim President at United Way of Rhode Island. Board chair roles at Butler Hospital Foundation, Amos House, and Children’s Friend.

Research interests include high-impact nonprofit organizations, strategic planning, and public policy. He has received the David E. Sweet Leadership Award from Leadership Rhode Island. Teaching includes courses such as Social Entrepreneurship and Management in Nonprofit Organizations.