FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management Names Eric Allen as New CEO and Executive
Director
St. Louis, MO — [July 17, 2025] — The Board of Trustees of the Consortium for Graduate Study in
Management (CGSM), a leading alliance dedicated to expanding opportunities in business education
and leadership, proudly announces the appointment of Eric Allen as its new Chief Executive Officer and
Executive Director, effective August 1, 2025.
Eric Allen brings over 20 years of transformative leadership across education access, career
advancement, finance, and nonprofit innovation. His appointment marks a significant milestone for
CGSM as it continues to expand its impact and empower the next generation of diverse business leaders.
Most recently, Eric served as General Manager of Magoosh’s Admit.me Access business, where he led
the development of a comprehensive pre-MBA admissions and career platform. His experience also
includes roles in leveraged finance and the successful founding and sale of two startup ventures. A
lifelong advocate for equity, Eric has developed numerous free and affordable tools to support
underrepresented and disadvantaged students, connecting them with top universities and employers.
His career also includes time as a consultant at Accenture and seven years in leveraged finance at GE Healthcare Financial Services, where he rose to the position of Senior Vice President.
“Eric’s unique combination of entrepreneurial spirit, strategic vision, and strong commitment to
educational equity makes him the perfect leader to guide The Consortium into its next chapter,” said
Cynthia Saunders-Cheatham, Chair of the CGSM Board of Trustees. “His history of innovation and
impact aligns well with our mission.”
Eric holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Brown University, where he also played varsity football, and an MBA with honors from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he served on the admissions committee.
A leukemia survivor, Eric is also a passionate health advocate, serving on the Board of Directors for the
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. He remains actively involved with Brown University through the
Football Board and contributes to his local community in Silver Spring, MD, through mentorship and volunteer work focused on educational equity.
At home, Eric is a devoted husband and father of twin daughters, both attending Consortium-member
undergraduate institutions. He enjoys family hikes, meaningful conversations over coffee, and visiting
his daughters on campus.
As CEO and Executive Director, Eric will lead CGSM’s strategic growth, strengthen partnerships across academia and industry, and champion initiatives that promote inclusive excellence in graduate management education. “I’m honored to join The Consortium at such a pivotal time,” said Eric. “This organization has long been a catalyst for change in business education. I’m excited to build on that legacy and work toward a future where opportunity and leadership are accessible to everyone.”
The Consortium sincerely thanks retiring CEO and Executive Director, Peter J. Aranda, III, for his
outstanding leadership and steadfast dedication over the past 23 years. Under Peter’s guidance, CGSM
has broadened its reach, reputation, and influence, changing the lives of thousands of students and
redefining graduate management education. His legacy of excellence and inclusion will continue to
inspire the organization for many years to come.
The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management
Board of Trustees
www.cgsm.org
