Jeffrey Allen divides his leadership between the three most important parts of his life: work, church and family.
"I enjoy helping people and being an example for others," says Allen, partner at BKD LLP. "I strive daily to conduct myself in such a way that my co-workers, my family members, members of the church and others want to emulate my approach to life."
The graduate of Missouri State University joined BKD in 1994 as a staff accountant, earning promotions that eventually led to a partnership in 2005 at age 34.
Allen works in BKD's community health center practice, which is less than 10 years old and has grown from two people in 2000 to more than 20.
With clients in more than 20 states, the practice serves more than 150 community health centers across the country.
"I feel good about helping these (community health centers) function like a business, which allows them more time to focus on the mission," Allen says. "It's a nice marriage of my passion for numbers and my passion to help people."
Crediting part of his success to the coaching he received from BKD mentors, Allen now works with three people through BKD's coaching program and tries to balance praise with constructive suggestions.
He also volunteers outside of BKD.
He is a board member and sits on the finance committee for Ozarks Health Advocacy Foundation, which grants funding to area organizations for health-related activities.
"Although it is hard to find the time, I make it a priority to actively participate with this organization," Allen says.
In January, he was appointed a deacon at Nixa Church of Christ to help the congregation in financial and service matters.
Allen also assists individual members looking for financial or spiritual guidance.
"A church is only as strong as its members, and I enjoy helping the members make a difference," he says. "It's a different outlet for my numbers skills and something I enjoy doing."
At home, Allen strives to be a good example to his three daughters.
"I want to grow my daughters' self-esteem so they will learn to be leaders of their generation," he says. "It is my goal to eat dinners with my family each evening, although it often means late nights at my desk at home to survive.
"A strong relationship with my family is very important to me."[[In-content Ad]]
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