40 Under 40 Alumni Spotlight: Jeff Allen, 2000

Then: Partner, BKD LLP
Now: Partner, Forvis Mazars LLP

With over three decades of accounting experience under his belt, Jeff Allen, 55, has retirement in his sights.

Allen started at his employer 32 years ago back when it was known as BKD LLP. A pair of mergers led to the creation of Forvis Mazars LLP in 2024. He’s been a partner at the firm for 21 years and says he’s set to retire in May.

Estimating he’s amassed over two million miles with American Airlines traveling for work over his career, he says frequent air travel “is a young man’s game.”

“It’s a little bit harder to get on airplanes week after week, more so than it was at 35,” he says, noting that’s a contributor to his retirement. “Part of it is I have two grandchildren now and kind of wanting to spend some time with them. I’m looking forward to the next stage.”

Allen intends to stay active civically in Christian County, where he serves as board president of the Nixa Education Foundation, an organization he’s remained engaged with for over 10 years.

Advice to young professionals? Be a humble servant leader, and don’t think of yourselves more highly than your leadership.