MARTHA ALLEN • EXTRA TABLE
Born and raised in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Martha Allen accepted the position of Executive Director with Extra Table in March of 2018.
Extra Table is the amazing partnership launched by well-known restaurateur Robert St. John, in 2009, making a difference in the lives of Mississippians by fundraising to stock food pantries and soup kitchens across the state with wholesome nutritious food from Sysco. Extra Table is currently providing food to 45 food pantries across our great state.
Most of Allen’s career has been spent in the non-profit realm. Recently, Allen was the Director of Admission and Business Development for The Pines and Cady Hill Recovery Center in Columbus, MS (a division of Region 7 Mental Health under Director Jackie Edwards) responsible for achieving financial stability, recruiting staff and building the company’s reputation throughout the southeastern United States.
Allen’s passion for community events and fundraising developed out of her experience as a Main Street Director for the City of West Point. With a team of volunteers, Allen was able to start the first Farmer’s Market and Main Street Tour of Homes, encourage budding entrepreneurs with a Lemonade Day Program, and Allen oversaw the revitalization of the Prairie Arts Festival.
Allen’s experience in the for-profit work involves the opening and management of the Brick Gallery, an art gallery in Clarksdale, MS. Allen was on the team at Hnedak Bobo Group that designed the Guggenheim’s Motorcycle Exhibit and Harrah’s/Cesar’s Place executive offices. Right out of college, Allen lived and worked in The Big Apple for Sotheby’s where she researched and prepared Martin Luther King’s personal library and a 14-million-dollar Revolutionary War flag for sale. Allen was mentored by Leslie Keno and Wendell Garrett.
Allen has served as a board member for Mississippi State University’s Collegiate Recovery, Make A Wish, Boy Scout Troop #15, Girl Scout’s Heart of the South, National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence, Junior Auxiliary, Rotary Club and Community Counseling’s Wellness Committee. She has previously served as president and vice president of the West Point Home and Garden Club and was very active in First Methodist Church’s Youth Program. Allen was named woman of the year by the Daily Times Leader in 2012.
Allen studied art at The University of Mississippi for 2 years before transferring to Alabama. Allen holds a double Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Alabama in Interior Design and Art History and she concluded her educational tour of the SEC with a Masters in Design/Architecture from Mississippi State University.
Allen spends her leisure time outdoors, traveling, baking, and enjoying time with friends and family.