Turner, a Jackson, Wyoming, native, brings to the position a lengthy resume that includes experience as a rancher, legislator, federal government agency head and CEO of a national nonprofit organization.
Turner recently stepped down as assistant secretary for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, where he headed U.S. Department of State programs and activities concerning infectious diseases, the environment, climate change, oceans affairs, and science and technology. Prior to his appointment as assistant secretary in 2001, he was president and CEO of The Conservation Fund, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to public-private partnerships to protect land and water resources.

Between 1989 and 1993, Turner served as director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, where he was responsible for expanding collaborative approaches under the Endangered Species Act, increasing wetland protection and establishing 55 new national wildlife refuges.

He served in the Wyoming House of Representatives from 1971-1975, and the Wyoming Senate from 1975 through 1989, including two years as president. He received a bachelor of science degree in biology (1964) at the University of Notre Dame, and a master of science degree in wildlife ecology (1968) from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.