PUBLIC SERVICE
“FOLLOWING HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE MILITARY IN 2002, TURNER TRANSITIONED INTO CIVIL SERVICE, INITIALLY WORKING AS A GOVERNMENT CONTRACTOR BEFORE EMBARKING ON A CAREER IN FEDERAL OVERSIGHT”
challenges of the COVID- 19 pandemic, during which fraudulent activities targeted the nation’s $888 billion Unemployment Insurance (UI) program. program. Under his leader- ship, the OIG received an additional $38.5 million in congressional funding to combat pandemic-related fraud. His office’s efforts led to over 1,200 indictments and 600 convictions while recovering more than $750 million in stolen UI benefits. Turner testified multiple times before Congress, including before the House Oversight and Account- ability Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee, where he revealed that $191 billion in improper UI payments had been identified, with at least $76 billion deemed fraudu- lent. His findings prompted President Biden to request an additional $100 million in funding to enhance fraud recovery efforts. Recog- nized for his outstanding oversight work, Turner was among nine Inspectors Gen- eral invited to the White House to discuss pandemic fraud and accountability with the President. Throughout his career, Turner championed Diver- sity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). As a
member of the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency’s (CIGIE) DEIA Work Group, he made tangible progress in leadership represen- tation. Under his tenure, the number of people of color in senior executive positions within the Labor OIG rose from two to seven, while the number of women in SES positions grew from one to eight. At the CIGIE Leadership Conference in 2022, he addressed DEIA issues head-on through his impactful video presenta- tion, “Do You See Me?” Turner remained a devoted member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, holding leadership roles in various chapters worldwide. He took great pride in men- toring young men through the Kappa League program, frequently conducting lead- ership sessions and hosting mentorship events. Recog- nized for his professional
and fraternity contribu- tions, he was named the Woodbridge Alumni Chapter’s Professional of the Year and served as a keynote speaker for mul- tiple fraternity events. His dedication was also featured on the cover of the Eastern Province Khronicle Maga- zine in Winter 2022. Beyond his professional and fraternity commit- ments, Turner was deeply engaged in community service. Following the tragic passing of his daughter, Lauren, in a car accident, he and his wife, Lottie, raised over $106,000 for the renovation of Morgan State University’s Chapel. They also established the Lauren N. Turner Memorial Endowment Scholarship, which exceeded $37,000 toward a $50,000 goal. Turner frequently served as a keynote speaker for vari- ous organizations, including the NAACP and veterans
groups, and was a guest lecturer for Morgan State University’s Willie Lanier Series on Business Ethics. He also served as past Pres- ident of the Morgan State University Alumni Associ- ation’s Northern Virginia Chapter. Turner’s tenure as Inspector General was marked by steadfast leadership, integrity, and dedication to accountability. His unwavering commit- ment to service—both in the military and in civilian oversight—left an indelible mark on federal gover- nance. A proud alumnus of Morgan State University and an esteemed brother of Kappa Alpha Psi, he uplifted those around him, inspiring future generations through mentorship, advocacy, and public service. Diamonds to Brother Turner and the Woodbridge (VA) Alumni Chapter for his enduring legacy! ♦
FALL 2024 ♦ THE JOURNAL 15
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