About Turner
Turner was born and raised on a cattle farm west of Ogden, Utah. From his earliest days, he’s had a love of service and his community. Inspired to serve the public by his parents' example, Turner has dedicated his adult life to taking action to strengthen our community.
A lifelong Utahn, Turner fell in love with public service at a young age. Turner’s highest priority is a commitment to the people around him and he spends his time serving his community. Driven by a deep sense of compassion and justice, Turner believes in the power of bringing people together to solve complex problems. He is a recognized leader and serves our community through volunteer service with nonprofit organizations and in appointed positions in local and state government.
Turner’s commitment to leadership is defined by bringing people together to find solutions. This commitment to inclusive and welcoming leadership has made Turner a successful agent for change in our community.
Turner has spent over a decade working for nonprofit organizations and aspires to live the values of hard work, inclusion, and innovation. He is the founder and executive director of the Utah Center for Civic Improvement, where he works to promote civic inclusion and civic values.
Turner lives with his husband Chase and dogs, Melon and Moose, in the Glendale neighborhood of Salt Lake City.
Accolades and Awards:
Recipient - 2013 Catalyst 100 Award
Recipient - 2015 Community Foundation of Utah E-50 Award
Recipient - 2015 Standard-Examiner Forty Under 40 Award
Leadership Roles and Responsibilities (Current):
Chair, Glendale Neighborhood Council
Turner serves as the elected chair of the Glendale Neighborhood Council. In his time as chair, Turner has focused on establishing the Keep Glendale Beautiful program and involved neighbors in a community planning process called the One Glendale Plan. Learn more.
Vice-Chair, Salt Lake City Police Civilian Review Board (CRB)
The CRB provides civilian oversight regarding the excessive use of force and other complaints, and internal police investigations conducted by the police. The board serves an advisory role in assessing citizen complaints of police misconduct and has no independent disciplinary power. All disciplinary authority is retained by the Police Chief, and they are obligated to consider the recommendations of the board. If a person has filed a complaint with the Police Department alleging misconduct by a police officer, he or she is also entitled to request an investigation by the Police Civilian Review Board Investigator.
Turner joined the CRB in February of 2019 and was elected the Vice-Chair of the board in October of 2020.
Executive Director, West View Media
The West View is a product of West View Media, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) community news organization that offers an authentic look into Salt Lake City’s West Side through stories written primarily by community members. Published quarterly, The West View is mailed quarterly to every home in the Fairpark, Glendale, Rose Park, Westpointe, Jordan Meadows and Poplar Grove neighborhoods. Learn more.
Board Chair, Utah Harm Reduction Coalition
Since its founding in 2016, Turner has been the board chair of the Utah Harm Reduction Coalition (UHRC), the first legal syringe exchange in Utah. Since then, UHRC has expanded to offer outpatient treatment for anyone in and around Utah. The coalition's mission is to provide evidence-based interventions to aid people in reducing health and social harms associated with substance use. Learn more.
Appointed Member, Salt Lake County Community and Support Services Advisory Council (CSSAC)
Since January of 2022, Turner has served on the Community and Support Services Advisory Council. CSSAC is a 15-member citizen body that reviews applications and makes recommendations for grant funds available to agencies that provide social services to Salt Lake County residents. Learn more.
Secretary, Salt Lake Community Network (SLCN)
Since July of 2021, Turner has served as the Secretary of the SLCN. SLCN works to educate and promote communication, understanding, and cooperation amongst recognized community councils, and city, county, and state governments. Learn more.
Community Leadership Positions (Past):
Vice Chair, Jordan River Foundation (2019-2022)
The Jordan River Foundation was established in 1979 to assist and cooperate with state and local government in the establishment and maintenance of a public parkway along the Jordan River for the development of recreation, water conservation, flood control, reclamation, and wildlife resources, and to generate broad public support and community interest actively. Learn more.
Vice Chair, Westside Coalition (2020-2021)
The Westside Coalition (WSC) is an advocacy and community-building organization comprised of Salt Lake City’s Westside residents and business owners. We live, work, and play in Fairpark, Glendale, Jordan Meadows, Poplar Grove, Rose Park, and Westpointe- the neighborhoods of Salt Lake City’s westside. The WSC’s mission is to advocate for Westside Salt Lake City residents' health, safety, and quality of life. Learn more.