Biography

Ms. Turner is an accomplished legal executive with more than three decades of experience providing strategic and policy counsel to corporate and government leaders. She has a strong track record of aligning legal and financial strategy with business and growth objectives, effectively navigating global and geopolitical risks, and managing stakeholder relations. 

Having served as the General Counsel for both The Hershey Company and Coca-Cola North America, Ms. Turner has advised global growth and market entry strategies, supply chain resiliency, global partnerships and public policy. She has also overseen global political affairs during her tenure as Assistant Secretary of the Office of Territorial and International Affairs for the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Ms. Turner holds a Bachelor of Science from New York University, a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center, and a Master of Laws in Law and Government from American University’s Washington College of Law.

Key Skills and Experience:  

• Strategic Planning: Through her executive positions at Fortune 500 companies, Ms. Turner has overseen M&A, market, and geographical footprint expansion strategies that contributed shareholder value creation.
• Legal and Regulatory: As a seasoned legal professional in both the public and private sector, Ms. Turner has significant experience in public affairs and promoting corporate governance best practices to steward company brands, reputation, compliance, and business impact initiatives for sustained growth. She started her career as a litigator at a leading law firm, representing clients in complex litigation and class action matters.
• Risk Management: By spearheading the risk management function of large consumer brands, Ms. Turner oversaw enterprise risk management strategies, encompassing all aspects of business operations such as human capital management and environmental impact. At Coca-Cola North America, Ms. Turner oversaw sustainability efforts within the company’s supply chain framework.

Career Highlights:

• The Hershey Company 
  • SVP, General Counsel (2012-2018)
• Coca-Cola North America
  • General Counsel (2008-2012)
  • Associate General Counsel, Bottling Investments Group (2006-2008)
• United States Department of the Interior
  • Counselor to Secretary and Director, Office of Intergovernmental Affairs (1995-1996)
  • Assistant Secretary, Office of Territorial and International Affairs (1993-1995)
• Akin Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P. 
  • Of Counsel and Partner (1996-2006)
  • Associate (1986-1993)

Other Public Company Boards:

• FirstEnergy Corporation (since 2018)

Private Company Directorships and Other Organizations:

• Georgetown University Law Center, Board of Visitors (since 2012; Chair 2021-2023)
• Georgetown University, Board of Regents (since 2019)
• Stillman College (2017 -2023)
• Manor College (since 2021)
• The Bay Park Conservancy (since 2020)