Ryan Ray
Well-liked legislative staffer Chris Turner is leaving his post with the House Democratic office for a postion with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network where he will manage the organization’s grassroots operations for much of the northern half of the state.
Turner says his reasons for accepting the position were personal as well as professional.
“As a cancer survivor myself, there are few things I take as seriously as finding a cure to this devastating disease,” said Turner . “I’m looking forward to using my passion and knowledge of the process to advocate for people who are fighting this fight every day.”
The ACS CAN is a nonpartisan sister organization of the American Cancer Society founded in 2001 to lobby for cancer research and patients’ rights. Turner joins the group’s Florida operation as it looks to expand its influence in the Capitol and around the state. Turner will manage its operations from Pensacola to Jacksonville to the east and down to Sarasota, in the southern Tampa Bay area.
The move represents a shift for Turner, who has worked mainly in the political realm as an aide and analyst for the Florida Senate Democratic Caucus and with the Democratic National Committee.
Turner says he has maintained strong relationships in the apolitical world and is “looking forward to the opportunity to embrace the challenges and rewards of working in the private sector as an advocate for vital issues.”
Turner begin work at ACS CAN Monday, July 20.
