Allen Karns

Allen Karns is a seasoned cloud architect with extensive experience in both educational and corporate environments. Currently serving as Principal Cloud Architect at Vanderbilt University since November 2021, Karns has led the development of Amplify GenAI, an open-source Generative AI chat application. Prior to this role, experience includes a position as Senior Cloud Engineer at Presidio, where Karns designed a multi-region AWS network for a Fortune 500 contact center, and various roles at Vanderbilt University, accumulating experience from Principal Cloud Engineer to Senior System Administrator. Additionally, Karns contributed to education as an instructor at Harpeth Hall School, where an introduction to engineering class was co-taught, and a Maker Space was established to enhance student learning through digital fabrication tools. Early career experience includes serving as a Network Administrator at TherEX. Academic credentials consist of a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies from Belmont University and earlier studies at Oklahoma City University.