Mark Allen

I have accompanied many donors and candidates for board membership on tours of University of Illinois Craniofacial Center. Each time I leave with an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for the care and expertise the personnel bring to their life changing services, and for the compassion and generosity of our community of volunteers and donors at Face the Future Foundation.

I believe that everyone, especially children, deserve equal access to healthcare and to live in a world of care, compassion and acceptance.

Mark has served on the Board of Directors of Face the Future Foundation since 2011. As previous Chair of the Membership Committee, he was responsible for relationship development with individual donors and recruitment of new board members. By hosting frequent tours of The Center and raising awareness about the life changing services provided by the caring and dedicated staff, he has inspired many of the current board members to join Face the Future's mission. Since 2017 he has diligently served as Treasurer of Face the Future Foundation, providing financial oversight, reporting and compliance. Since joining the Board of Face the Future Foundation, he has worked tirelessly to leverage his relationships with clients and fashion industry leaders to generously support Face the Future's fundraising efforts, with special emphasis given to annual gala auctions and attendance.

When he is not busy volunteering for Face the Future, he works as Client Advisor for the renowned luxury retailer Neiman Marcus in Chicago. He has worked for Nieman Marcus since 1999, receiving numerous awards for sales, service, client development and technological advancement. As a brand representative of the Milan designer, Kean Etro, he works creatively and passionately to present the beautiful designs of this fashion house to a growing market. 

A core belief of Mark's: success, and a well lived life, are defined by service to others, care and compassion for the less fortunate, and life-long curiosity and education. He received a Bachelor of Science in Finance, from Northeastern University. Mark's previous charitable work includes fundraising and volunteer efforts, along with his life partner of 33 years, Gary Marr. Together, they have supported several organizations, including the AIDS Action Committee of Boston, The Human Rights Campaign, The Names Project and The Center on Halsted.