Kent Allin was born and raised in Minnesota. He graduated from Macalester College where he majored in political science and theater. Kent worked for a Legal Aide organization during the 1970’s and has subsequently worked for the State of Minnesota in a number of departments (Human Rights, Finance, Administration) and in both appointed and civil service roles. He was the project director for both Minnesota’s Commission on Reform and Efficiency and its Statewide Systems Project. In 2004, he received the McLaughlin Award from National Correctional Industries Association. He has served in an acting capacity as the state’s Administration Commissioner. Kent has led several procurement reform initiatives in Minnesota and currently chairs the governor’s strategic sourcing steering team. Kent lives in Minneapolis with his partner and devotes his free time to travel, films and theater.