Distinguished Alumni Award

In 2020, the Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to  Linda J. Allan, 1970, M.S. 1978.

Linda has been nominated by two of her classmates, Elaine Hubert and Myra Holsinger for this honor, citing her diverse career path, and her “unmatched enthusiasm and dedication to Hood.” As a current (2014 to present) and emerita (1989-2002) Trustee, and a past member of the Alumni Executive Board, Linda has made extraordinary contributions to the College through her time, talent and treasure. After graduating from Hood with a degree in Biology, Linda returned to Hood in 1978 to earn her MS in Biomedical Research. Linda pursued a career in cancer research, and then information technology, both fields that had few professional women represented.

Linda’s career led her to contractual work with multiple federal government agencies including the departments of Energy, Treasury, Justice, and NASA. Moving into Program Management, Linda managed a $60M annual revenue operational unit as a VP at age 34, and was promoted to executive management at age 40. In 1990, as Executive VP at NCI, Linda helped grow the business to a multimillion dollar revenue base, which went public on NASDAQ in 2005.  

Linda retired in 2008 to spend more time with her parents, yet still maintains her Dept of Defense/SBI clearance, as well as continuing to serve on the board as consultant for several multi-million dollar firms.

In addition to her groundbreaking career path, Linda has been an incredibly generous supporter of Hood since graduating, and is currently a lead facilitator for her class’s 50th Reunion giving challenge.