For 42 years, Coach Keith Allen and his wife, Marlys, opened the red front door of their home to high school athletes who were members FCA. While at their home, student-athletes sang, prayed, shared life experiences and learned about God and His Word. The Allens’ longstanding commitment and heartfelt dedication to open their home, hands and hearts in service to FCA and God’s children are a true testament to FCA’s multiplication discipleship ministry.
To honor the Allens’ legacy, FCA is proud to award the Red Door Award to recognize local FCA servants for their dedication and commitment to the community and to FCA. This fall, the Red Door Award is being awarded to John Watson, a longtime FCA supporter and board member.
“John Watson’s dedication to FCA’s Values of Integrity, Serving, Teamwork and Excellence is what makes him an honorable recipient for this award,” remarked FCA President and CEO Shane Williamson. “We have seen John grow through FCA from when he first attended a Huddle, to being in various leadership positions over the years and have seen God work through him in each phase of his journey. John’s unwavering faith and trust in what the Lord could accomplish through FCA in his city have deeply inspired those around him. It is through the faithfulness of leaders like John that the groundwork for today’s growth and Kingdom impact has been firmly established.”
John Watson has a long and deep connection with FCA. He grew up in the North Suburbs of Chicago and was introduced to FCA through the Huddle at Saint Olaf College, a Lutheran liberal arts college in Northfield, Minn. While attending the college, he played basketball and participated in FCA all four years, graduating with a double major in English and Physical Education. While aspiring to be a basketball coach, Watson ultimately pursued a career in law, graduating from IIT-Chicago-Kent College of Law with certification in Environmental Law. His law career began in 1988, and for the last 19 years, he has been a Partner at Baker McKenzie, chairing the leading worldwide firm’s global environmental practice throughout his tenure.
John joined the Greater Chicago FCA Board in 1992, ultimately serving as Board Chair, and later served in that same capacity on the Lake Michigan Regional Board during the mid-to-late 2000s. After a five-year board hiatus, Watson served for nine years as the Chicago-North Suburbs Board Chair upon the board’s launch in 2015, and currently serves on the Midwest Regional Board, where he recently chaired the search committee for the new Chicagoland Director.
Chris Bubak, FCA Midwest Regional Vice President, shared, “Given the spirit and intent behind the FCA Red Door Award, no one is a more qualified recipient than John Watson. He has been a faithful and true servant for the Lord Jesus Christ, laboring to see the world of Chicagoland transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes.”
John and his wife, Nancy, were high school sweethearts and have been married for 39 years. They have two children — twins Jack and Maggie — and four grandsons. John has a tradition of loading all four grandsons into his car and taking them out for breakfast every Saturday morning. Watson loves golf and has been a member at Conway Farms Golf Club since the early 1990s, hosting numerous FCA events at this top private club.
Watson responded to his honor, saying, “I am truly humbled and sincerely grateful to FCA for recognizing my contributions as a Red Door Award recipient. It has been the privilege of my life to join with all of FCA’s amazing staff and volunteers in sharing the hope and promise that comes with a growing relationship with Jesus through FCA’s impactful and life-changing ministry.”
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