After graduating from Pineville High School in Pineville WV, a small town in the southern West Virginia coalfields, Allen earned his undergraduate degree from West Virginia University where he received his formal education in accounting, economics and statistics.  Allen says, “These areas of study are an important foundation to my career today.”  He goes on to state, “I refer to many concepts I learned at WVU still today.” 

His assessment career began in 1993 at the Harrison County Assessor’s Office.  Over the past 30 years, Allen has earned certification in almost every aspect of assessing property at the county level.  This comprehensive instruction includes residential and commercial real estate appraisal, maintenance of data in the integrated assessment system for both real and personal property, and appraisal in the tax increment financing districts.  He also trains new and veteran assessment personnel in both basic and more complicated tasks of assessing not only in Harrison County, but throughout the State of West Virginia.  “I always felt it was a privilege to go to Charleston or other areas of the State for training, so I got the most out of every opportunity,” he goes on to say, “But now I want to pass on as much of the assessment knowledge that I can to others.”

When asked what he believes, Allen commented, “Our legislators have given us a process.  A process which leads to fair assessments of property based on fair market value.  I have a lot of experience working within the guidelines set forth by the State, and I believe that when the process is followed, using fair market value, the process produces a fair outcome.”  He also states, “I also believe that every decision made by the Assessor can ultimately affect value, which affects the taxes, which affects the taxpayers bank account.         

Allen is very active volunteering in the community.  “I stay pretty busy,” Allen again goes on, “but it is important to give back to the community, especially to benefit the young athletes.” He has coached, umpired, and refereed many seasons in youth sports with the Harrison County Parks and Recreation, Jerry West Basketball, Harrison County Pony League Baseball, Salem Little League, Clarksburg Little League, and Bridgeport Little League Baseball. He is also a past President and Board Member of the Salem Little League Board or Directors.  Currently, Mr. Ferree serves on the Board of Directors of the Harrison Hope Lions Club,  the Lake Floyd Club Board of Directors, and also volunteers with the Kiwanis Club of Clarksburg .  He is a member of the West Virginia University Alumni Association, the International Association of Assessing Officers, and the Harrison County Chamber of Commerce.

“I am running for Assessor because I believe I can use my experience and knowledge to ensure the most accurate assessment in the most efficient way possible.  I have worked well with many County Commissions here in Harrison County, many Assessor’s across the state, and most importantly, many taxpayers here at home and I wish to continue that service.      

Along with his wife Marla, Allen resides at Lake Floyd.  Together they have four children and two grandchildren.  Allen and Marla attend the Clarksburg Baptist Church.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556628448627