Mark R. Allio joins the Central Falls Department of Planning and Economic Development

Central Falls – Mark R. Allio, of Providence, has been named assistant director of planning and economic development for the City of Central Falls, where he will manage a wide array of projects with particular focus on the business community.

Mark’s diverse background brings increased capacity to the City’s Department of Planning and Economic Development, particularly in business recruitment and expansion, a key aspect of Mayor James A. Diossa’s efforts to diversify the City’s tax base and limit rate increases on residents.

With over 30 years of public, non-profit, and private sector experience as a senior corporate and non-profit administrator, entrepreneur, and business advisor, Mark most recently served as director of workforce training and corporate education for the Community College of Rhode Island’s Center for Workforce and Community Education. Prior to CCRI, Mark served for 10 years as regional director of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network’s Boston Regional Office & Minority Business Center at UMass Boston, part of a nationwide public business assistance program. Previously, Mark co-founded two ventures- TracRac, a Fall River-based manufacturer of automotive accessories and tool equipment, and Virtuous.com, one of the first e-ticketing service providers serving the arts and entertainment industry. He also served as a senior administrator with three Boston-based non-profits.

Mark graduated from York University in Toronto and earned his MBA from Babson College. He is the author of R is for Rhode Island Red, a children’s book dedicated to the history and culture of Rhode Island.