Sharon Turner

About Sharon Turner

Over the course of my career, I’ve sat at the table with state officials, tribal leaders, philanthropic partners, and federal executives—always seeking to understand first, then trying to fix what’s broken. Not through top-down directives, but through trust, alignment, and shared commitment.My work has spanned four states, 272 federally recognized tribes, and over 90 federal programs. I’ve helped preserve $28 million in tribal health funding through rapid compliance support, launched a national platform to streamline federal strategy, and co-designed a maternal health initiative that expanded across seven states. Each of these outcomes began with a question: What do people need to succeed—and how do we get there together?I approach leadership with a social worker’s heart and a strategist’s mind. From advising on national policy to guiding operational design, I ground every decision in equity, cultural humility, and the belief that systems should serve people, not the other way around. That lens has earned me the opportunity to serve as a senior delegate to the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and to lead efforts that have been spotlighted by CNN, NBC, and NPR.What drives me is watching a grantee organization access funding for the first time. It’s seeing trust restored between agencies and the communities they serve. And it’s helping leaders—from the grassroots to the highest levels—work in partnership instead of isolation.Let’s connect if you\'re building something that requires systems thinking, stakeholder alignment, or a clearer path between vision and action. I’m always interested in meaningful dialogue, shared learning, and the kind of partnerships that move health forward.

Experience

1. Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations Administrator, (Bh-aso Administrator)

   King County, WA

   Aug 2025 — Present · Seattle, WA, US

   In my current capacity, I serve as a senior advisor to department and county leadership, directing organizational strategy, managing high-profile initiatives, and guiding interagency collaboration across state, federal, tribal, and local partners. My career has been defined by a commitment to equity, operational excellence, and effective governance — ensuring that programs deliver meaningful outcomes for communities while maintaining transparency and accountability.What draws me to this opportunity is the ability for me to contribute to the County’s mission through executive-level coordination, strategic alignment, and leadership within the department’s executive team. I am deeply motivated by King County’s values of equity, service, and innovation and am eager to bring my strategic insight, collaborative leadership, and policy experience to advance those goals.

Education

• The University of Kansas

  Bachelors, Social Work

• University of Missouri-Kansas City

  Master's degree, Clinical/Medical Social Work

• Park University

  Master's degree, Public Administration