Marty Allen graduated from the University of Notre Dame and was the head student manager of the football team his senior year. Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Naval Reserve.

Following graduation from Notre Dame, he served in the U.S. Naval Reserve, and retired as a Lieutenant Commander. Marty earned a MBA from Michigan State University and has received honorary doctoral degrees from Aquinas College and Grand Valley State University. Marty was successful in banking, retiring as Executive Vice President from Old Kent Bank & Trust.

He has continued his commitment of service to the Grand Rapids community throughout the years, including helping to co-found the first-ever Old Kent River Bank Run, currently the largest 25K race in the country. He was a life-long friend of Gerald and Betty Ford and served as an Honorary Pallbearer at Gerald R. Ford’s State Funeral.