San Antonio, Texas – The United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) today announced Mr. Charles E. Allen, former Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Intelligence and Analysis, as the recipient of the 2009 USGIF Lifetime Achievement Award.

Mr. Allen was recognized during the sixth annual GEOINT Symposium, taking place Oct. 18-21 in San Antonio, Texas for his lifelong dedication to the geospatial intelligence tradecraft.

“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by USGIF with this award,” said Allen. “I’ve been honored in many ways but none so great as today.”

Mr. Allen has a storied 51-year career within the intelligence community. He began his career with the Central Intelligence Agency in 1958, holding a variety of positions of increasing responsibility both in analytic and managerial capacities.

Prior to his current role as a private consultant, Mr. Allen served as the Under Secretary for the Office of Intelligence and Analysis in the Department of Homeland Security, reporting directly to Secretary Chertoff. In this role, he was responsible for coordinating with the Intelligence Community and providing guidance on Homeland Security specific issues. Mr. Allen was awarded the National Intelligence Medal for Achievement in 1983 by DCI Casey and the President’s Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service in 1986 by President Reagan. In 1991, he was presented the CIA Commendation Medal for provision of warning intelligence in Desert Shield/Desert Storm. In October 2005, CIA Director Goss awarded Mr. Allen the Distinguished Intelligence Medal, the CIA’s highest and most coveted award. “Charles is well-known for his epic work habits to solve national security problems using GEOINT,” said K. Stuart Shea, USGIF chairman and CEO. “He has always been very driven, intensely patriotic and committed to the mission.”

USGIF is a nonstock, not-for-profit corporation dedicated to promoting the geospatial intelligence tradecraft and developing a stronger community of interest between government, industry, academia, professional organizations and individuals whose mission is the development and application of geospatial intelligence to address national security objectives. To learn more about the Foundation or the USGIF Awards Program, please visit us at www.usgif.org.