Allen Peterson began his public service career with the Massachusetts Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Recreational Vehicles. In 1979, he became the Regional Director of the National Marine Fisheries Service's Northeast Region. Later, he became Chairman of the New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils, responsible for managing the fishery resources of the region. In 1983, President Reagan appointed Allen as a U. S. Commissioner to the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization (NASCO). He later served as President of this organization.

Mr. Peterson has received numerous awards for his contributions as a public servant and for his work in fisheries management. The University of Massachusetts named him a Distinguished Alumnae in 1983. He has also received the Silver Medal from the U.S. Department of Commerce for his national and international work in carrying out Federal fishery legislation (1983).