Collierville Alderman Tom Allen intends to resign from his position effective Aug. 9.
After 14 years of service, Allen plans to end his term early due to a recent diagnosis of stage four pancreatic cancer.
“I want to take the opportunity to thank all the citizens who voted for me and supported me,” said Allen. “I appreciate every one of them.”
Allen was first elected in 2006. His proudest moments in office included the development of the Collierville Schools system, and the openings of the Linda Kerley Center and new Collierville High School.
He is also pleased to have served during a time when smart growth was a crucial component for the Town’s future.
Allen and his wife, Getella, moved to Collierville in 1989, when the town’s population was just over 14,000 residents.
“Collierville was a small hometown, welcoming and friendly, and offered a great future,” he said.
The Allens built their life in Collierville, having two children, and today, have five grandchildren and one great grandson.
Allen owned a computer store and then worked as a regional manager for Arcadian Corporation for 30 years before retiring in 1997.
Before becoming an elected official, Allen was an active community volunteer.
He is a founding member of the re-established Collierville Republican Club and served as the president.
He was a charter member of the Schilling Farms YMCA and a charter member and vice president of the Collierville Lion’s Club.
Allen is also a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, as a U.S. Army Veteran who served in the Korean War.
Throughout his fourteen years in elected office, Allen served on the Comprehensive Land Use Plan Committee, Collierville Planning Commission, the Industrial Development Board, Library Board, Collierville Arts Council, Parks Advisory Board, and the Design Review Commission. He is also a graduate of Leadership Collierville.
