Legacy Oregon-based Trust Company Names New President
Allen Trust Company Founder, Stuart Allen, Remains on as CEO
PORTLAND, Ore. — When it comes down to it, business is all about trust. That’s exactly what led Stuart Allen, CEO of Allen Trust Company to pass the proverbial torch to Tara M. Hendison, JD, CTFA, long-time employee and new president of the company.
“I’ve been at the helm of my company for more than 20 years. Tara Hendison knows Allen Trust Company inside and out – because she helped build it,” said Stuart Allen, JD, CTFA, CEO and founder, Allen Trust Company. “Tara has extensive knowledge of the industry and has had such loyalty to our firm, when it came to naming someone to take over the role of president, it was truly a no-brainer.”
Beyond the Basement
When Stuart first recruited Tara to the company, Tara had an 11-month-old at home. A sixty hour a week legal job was not in the cards. She craved a congenial and flexible work environment, which she found with Stuart and Sarah Allen.
“We joke about it now, but I truly started on the ground floor,” said Tara Hendison, president, Allen Trust Company. “The first five years, Sarah, Stuart, and I worked closely together, building the company, and forming a mutual respect for each other’s work.”
Bucking the Trend
The Allen Trust Company business model bucked the trend, establishing the first trust-only bank in Oregon. Stuart saw the need for a local, independent trust company and despite naysayers, spearheaded a successful company that eventually expanded to Washington and Alaska.
It’s that same independent, yet competitive spirit in Tara that makes her the perfect fit to lead Allen Trust Company. During her childhood -- beginning before the age of three -- Tara fell in love with downhill skiing. She eventually entered competitions and racked up the wins. She’s currently part of an adult racing league.
“It’s freeing. You go where you want to go. It’s just you and the mountain,” said Tara.
It’s Tara’s tenacity and intelligence that have helped carve her way to the summit of Allen Trust Company where she will lead her team as president. Tara is a member of the Oregon State Bar, Elder Law and Estate Planning Sections; Portland Estate Planning Council; Greater Portland Compliance Associations, and Oregon Bankers Association. She also serves on the Boards of Guardian Partners and the Rotary club of Portland.
About Allen Trust Company
Allen Trust Company provides comprehensive trust and investment management services for individuals, families, and charitable organizations. In 2000, Stuart B. Allen founded the firm in Portland, Oregon, on the principles of being local, remaining independent, and providing highest-quality, personalized service. Allen Trust Company has since added offices in Washington and Alaska to better serve our Pacific Northwest clients. Learn more at allentrust.com.