Nancy Allen is a nationally recognized leader in health science education and nonprofit governance with more than 35 years of experience spanning nursing, classroom teaching, state-level program development, and national nonprofit leadership. She currently serves as Executive Director of the National Consortium for Health Science Education (NCHSE), where she provides strategic and operational leadership to strengthen membership, advance the National Health Science Standards, and expand career readiness opportunities for students.
Her career began as a registered nurse and health science teacher before advancing to state leadership with the South Carolina Department of Education, where she directed curriculum, teacher training, and workforce partnerships. She later served as Associate Director for HOSA–Future Health Professionals, a global student-led organization, and has held numerous governance roles with NCHSE, including Chair and Past Chair of its Executive Council.
Under her leadership, NCHSE has secured endorsements from the Tri-Council of Nursing, the American Association of Respiratory Care, and other national organizations, and has grown its Certificate Program to validate student competencies nationwide. She has also directed large-scale professional development and national conferences engaging educators, industry partners, and policymakers.
Allen has contributed to the development of the new Healthcare & Human Services Career Cluster as a member of the Advance CTE Advisory Committee and authored key workforce alignment resources, including the 2025 Healthcare & Human Services Career Specialty Chart. Her leadership has been recognized for forging partnerships across education, healthcare, and workforce sectors to align programs with the needs of the healthcare system.
Passionate about expanding opportunities for healthcare professionals and advancing global workforce readiness, Allen brings interdisciplinary expertise, strategic vision, and a lifelong commitment to serving the health science and allied health community.