EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION NEW STAFF SPOTLIGHT Q& A MAREN TURNER

OFFICE CHIEF, HOME AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

What sort of duties do you have at work?

HCS Headquarters’ new Office Chief for Home and Community Programs, Maren Turner, joined the team December 19, 2022.

Maren Turner is an accomplished leader with over 30 years of experience in strategic planning, building dynamic teams, and advocating for progressive issues at the local, state, and federal levels. She brings a wealth of experience in C4 and C3 landscapes and in-depth expertise in building infrastructure that operationalizes racial equity, centers BIPOC communities, and is rooted in socioeconomic justice. Maren continually develops mentorship, capacity building, and trust in the teams she leads.

Where did you work before this position?

I most recently worked at a small nonprofit that provided voter related data and research to partners and campaigns focused on social justice. Prior to that I held various positions at AARP at the national, regional and state levels. I simultaneously taught graduate classes in gerontology at a medical school (functional changes and aging, diversity and aging, social policy and aging).

My job focuses on planning and policy development for Long Term Care Services and Supports (LTSS) for older people and people with disabilities. I coordinate with other divisions inside and outside of ALTSA to promote choice, independence, safety, and culturally competent services for the people we serve.

What’s the most exciting part of your job?

I am most excited about collaborating with people to develop and impact policies that make a difference. It is fun and challenging to build relationships with a new set of people!

What motivates you at work?

For me, a new solution to an old problem is always right around the corner. I am motivated to find it!

Do you have any mentors in your professional life?

I believe mentors and sponsors make a positive and invaluable impact on your career, no matter where you function in the chain of command.

I mentor and am mentored by research, academic, and/or gerontology practitioners. I currently have an ALTSA mentor, Barb Hannemann, who is available to me until she retires in June!

What’s the best place you’ve traveled to?

So far, the best places I have traveled to are (1) Rio de Janeiro—OMG the Rainforest and relaxed culture (2) Santa Fe, NM—the food and art markets are overwhelming, and (3) Washington state!! I have been here less than 2 years and I sometimes feel like a traveler. We started out in Tacoma, moved to Puyallup and then to Lacey Olympia! Living in WA has been the best place I have ever lived. I LOVE it here.

What’s the best book you’ve read recently?

Oh my-- I am one of those people who seems to read several books at one time, which means it takes me a while to get through one! The last book I completed was The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett as part of a Howard University Book Club assignment. I am currently reading Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler, and Nudge by Richard Thaler (I am a huge fan of behavioral economics).

What’s something you’re proud of?

I’m not sure proud is the right word to use here but I am happy to have had the opportunity to save someone’s life. When I was a LTC ombudsman, I was responsible for finding unlicensed board and care homes. I heard about one in DC but could not get into the house, so I had to do some creative things to gain entry. Once inside, I found a man who was living in a dark and padlocked room, covered with lice, underweight (<100lbs) and forced to each his own excrement for nourishment. I am happy to have been instrumental in having the man transported to a hospital and the unlicensed home shut down.

What’s your favorite food?

My favorite cuisine is Mediterranean. While I don’t eat a lot of meat, I am especially fond of the many chicken and fish dishes.

Are you a coffee or tea person?

I am a (hot) tea person, though I seem to be addicted to Thai iced tea! I once took a tea clinic in Beijing—that is how much I love tea!! I especially like any opportunity to participate in Afternoon Tea with my all-time favorite places being the Nelson Atkins Museum in Kansas City, Four Seasons Hotel in

Washington, DC, and this great place my sister-in law took me to in Singapore.

Have you ever met anyone famous?

I have met several famous people, including Myrlie Evers-Williams. She came to Dallas for a book signing and I was part of the group!

If you could have a career in anything, what would it be?

My career, working with and advocating for people across the lifespan, is exactly what I would choose if I had it to do all over again!! It has always been important to me to be helpful and to make and impact policies that transform lives.

How would your friends describe you?

My friends will tell you that I never turn down an adventure. I am always open to learning something different or traveling to a new place. I like to cook and passionately enjoy the arts, especially the performing arts! My superpowers are that I am a very good listener, strategist, and I can synthesize information once my inquisitive appetite has been satisfied. Most of all, I like to have FUN!!

What’s your idea of a perfect day?

Ha! Let’s just say a groovy day for me would be when I cross everything off my To Do list and feel my contributions are appreciated.