Sherry Turner to Transition from ECJC Leadership Role, Continue Impact Through Community Initiatives
Kansas City, MO — (May 13, 2026) — Sherry Turner, Executive Vice President of Operations for the Enterprise Center in Johnson County (ECJC) and Founder of OneKC for Women, has announced she will be stepping away from her role at ECJC this June. Her transition marks the next chapter in a distinguished career dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship, workforce development, and women’s economic empowerment across the Kansas City region. Turner will turn her focus toward new community-based initiatives and projects that continue her mission of strengthening economic opportunity and supporting inclusive growth.
A transformative leader, Turner has played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, including oversight of the Women’s Business Center (WBC) at ECJC. Through her leadership, countless entrepreneurs and small business owners have gained access to education, mentorship, and critical resources needed to grow and sustain their businesses.
“Sherry’s impact on our organization and the broader Kansas City community is immeasurable,” said John Brandmeyer, ECJC Board Chair. “Her vision and commitment have helped build a stronger, more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem, and her legacy will continue to influence generations of business leaders.”
Turner is widely recognized for her leadership across multiple organizations aligned around a shared mission: creating financial independence for women through sustained employment, business ownership, and access to capital. She has held leadership roles with the WBC, the Women’s Employment Network (WEN), and Women’s Capital Connection (WCC) concurrently, helping align their collective impact across the region.
This collaborative model was formalized in 2009 with the launch of OneKC for Women, an alliance founded by Turner to unify efforts across nonprofits focused on women’s economic advancement. By aligning resources and strategies, OneKC for Women has created a comprehensive support system that empowers women at every stage of their professional and entrepreneurial journeys.
“Sherry has been an extraordinary partner and leader whose work has elevated ECJC and expanded opportunities for entrepreneurs across our region,” said Jeff Shackelford, CEO of ECJC. “Her tireless efforts have touched many across the KC region and her dedication to working to create and enhance opportunities for women and others who have traditionally been underserved are nothing short of miraculous. Her ability to connect people, ideas, and resources has left a lasting mark, and we are grateful for the impact she has made.”
With a career spanning more than two decades, Turner brings a diverse background that includes corporate management, economic development, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit leadership.
Turner’s contributions have earned her numerous honors, including the 2021 ATHENA Leadership Award, the 2017 Kansas City Business Journal Women Who Mean Business Award, the 2015 Missouri Women’s Council Award of Distinction, and the 2015 Entrepreneurial Legacy Award.
As she transitions from her role at ECJC, Turner remains committed to the Kansas City region and its future.
“Kansas City is an incredible place to grow a business and build a career,” Turner said. “I’m proud of what we’ve built together and excited to continue supporting this community in new ways.”
Her leadership and vision will continue to shape the region through the initiatives she champions moving forward.
