Turner, John F.

BIOGRAPHY

John F. Turner
Assistant Secretary
Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs 

John F. Turner is the Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, responsible for a diverse portfolio involving forestry, marine resources, freshwater, climate, toxic chemicals, free trade, infectious disease and international science initiatives. Mr. Turner was formerly President and CEO of The Conservation Fund, a national nonprofit dedicated to public-private partnerships to protect land and water resources. Supported by over 200 corporations, during Mr. Turner’s tenure the Fund protected more than 2.8 million acres of parks, wildlife habitat, and open space across America. In 2001, the organization received the highest rating in efficiency of any conservation nonprofit in the country by the independent American Institute of Philanthropy. Between 1989 and 1993, Mr. Turner served as the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and was responsible for expanding collaborative approaches under the endangered species act, expanding wetland protection and the establishment of 55 new National Wildlife Refuges, the most of any administration in the nation’s history. As a third generation wilderness outfitter and rancher, he has been very involved in his family recreational operation including guest ranch, river trips, big game hunting, wilderness trips and cross country skiing activities.