“Empowering Resilient Supply Chains Through Strategic Leadership and Purposeful Transformation”
Kathleen D. Allen is a dynamic and visionary supply chain strategist and business transformation leader with over 15 years of progressive leadership across retail, manufacturing, e-commerce, and aerospace sectors. With a track record that spans billions in operational impact, Kathleen has built her reputation on turning complexity into clarity, ambiguity into strategy, and inertia into innovation. Her journey is one of continuous evolution—driven by a passion for sustainability, people development, and cross-functional collaboration.
From the earliest stages of her career, Kathleen demonstrated an instinct for efficiency and improvement. At Eddie Bauer, Inc., where she led global sourcing and production, she refined processes to accelerate delivery times, optimize inventory, and deliver record-setting performance in the company’s highest-grossing departments. These early accomplishments cemented her belief in the power of lean operations and stakeholder engagement to achieve sustainable business results.
In 2012, Kathleen brought her expertise to The Boeing Company, joining as a Senior Buyer in Indirect Procurement. Over the next decade, she rose through the ranks by delivering transformative results, including $40 million in cash flow improvements through strategic process redesign. Her strategic acumen and command of contracting best practices allowed her to lead enterprise-level projects with exceptional outcomes. Among her early Boeing achievements was the execution of a supplier financing solution that delivered a staggering $3.2 billion in working capital benefit.
As a Senior Global Sourcing Strategist and then a Senior Supply Chain Portfolio Manager, Kathleen led Boeing’s transition to a more resilient and competitive supply chain. She championed the creation of the enterprise Supplier Relationship Management program and a digital collaboration tool that revolutionized supplier engagement. Her forward-thinking initiatives led to $381 million in process improvement opportunities and over 23% cost savings in key categories—underscoring her ability to deliver measurable, enterprise-scale value.
Kathleen’s leadership reached a new level when she became Chief of Staff to the Senior Vice President of Boeing Global Services. In this strategic advisory role, she orchestrated initiatives that spanned a $1.2 billion portfolio. With precision and poise, she aligned executive leadership on complex business opportunities, drove Lean process improvements, and enhanced organizational efficiency—elevating her reputation as a trusted change agent and strategic thinker.
In 2023, Kathleen took on the role of Senior Program Manager for Strategy & Business Development at Boeing. Here, she continues to push the boundaries of innovation by crafting growth strategies and building business cases to support new product development. Her roadmap for product expansion projects a 15% CAGR over a 10-year horizon—testament to her foresight and ability to translate insights into long-term value.
Beyond corporate achievements, Kathleen’s influence extends to industry and community leadership. As President and Board Chair of the Institute for Supply Management Western Washington, she championed professional development and industry excellence, helping the chapter earn the prestigious Chapter of the Year Award. She remains an active member of influential networks such as Boeing Women Inspiring Leadership and the Boeing Leadership Network, continuously fostering a culture of empowerment, inclusion, and growth.
Her academic foundation is as robust as her professional experience. Kathleen holds a Master of Science in Global Supply Chain Management, a Bachelor of Arts in Design and Marketing, and executive certificates from Cornell University and the University of Washington. She is a Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) and a Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity (CPSD), adding further depth to her strategic toolkit.
With international exposure spanning Southeast Asia and Central and South America, Kathleen brings a global lens to her decision-making. Her conversational Spanish and nuanced understanding of global sourcing dynamics enrich her ability to navigate diverse markets with agility and cultural competence.
Driven by values of sustainability, lifelong learning, and mentoring the next generation of leaders, Kathleen finds inspiration in nature, hiking trails, and conservation efforts. Her personal commitment to balance—between business outcomes and human values, between vision and execution—is what makes her leadership so impactful.
Kathleen D. Allen is now seeking to diversify her contributions through board service. With a panoramic view of business operations, a deep understanding of supply chain dynamics, and the rare ability to align stakeholders around shared goals, she is well-positioned to offer boards strategic insight, cross-industry acumen, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Character:
Kathleen exemplifies integrity, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to mentorship and collaboration. Her leadership is rooted in empathy, with a firm belief that long-term success is built through shared purpose and trust.
Knowledge:
Her expertise spans every facet of global supply chain management, from supplier relationship development to cash flow optimization and strategic sourcing. With certifications and continuous education, Kathleen maintains cutting-edge awareness of best practices and emerging trends.
Strategic:
Kathleen has designed and executed multi-million and billion-dollar strategies that delivered lasting business value. Her ability to identify market opportunities, assess risk, and align operational goals makes her a formidable strategist across industries.
Communication:
A natural storyteller and influential communicator, Kathleen excels at aligning executive stakeholders, galvanizing teams, and articulating vision with clarity and conviction. Whether in the boardroom or on a panel, her words inspire confidence and action.
