Barbara Turner

How She is Making a Difference:

President and Chief Operating Officer, Ohio National Financial Services

Years in the Region:

56

Originally from:

Cincinnati

Age:

56

Her Story:

Barbara Turner is the eleventh president and first woman and person of color to serve as President and Chief Operating Officer of Ohio National Financial Services. Barbara is responsible for the corporate strategy and has oversight responsibility for the functions that support the strategy. She has received numerous awards and recognitions including 2009’s Top 50 Women in the country by Wealth Management Magazine.
 
Active in the industry and community, Turner currently serves on the boards of American Red Cross Greater Cincinnati-Dayton Region, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Cincinnati Women’s Executive Forum, Northern Kentucky University Foundation, The Health Collaborative, Women’s Fund of Greater Cincinnati Foundation, LL Global and was recently appointed to serve on the Board of Cincinnati State Technical & Community College by Governor John Kasich. Turner is also the 2019 Campaign Chair for American Heart Association Go Red for Women campaign. She has a special interest in and passion for mentoring at-risk teenage girls and single moms and helping individuals achieve self-sufficiency and financial independence. 
 
Turner is a native of Cincinnati and attended the University of Cincinnati.  She was a member of the inaugural graduation class and first woman in the country to complete the FINRA/Wharton University Certified Compliance Professional certification program. She and her husband Daman Turner are the proud parents of three adult children and three beautiful grandchildren.

Legacy:

I hope to leave behind a legacy of love, faith, hope, integrity, courage, happiness, giving, kindness, fun, commitment, faithfulness, sacrifice, leadership, lifting others, selflessness, family tradition, and commitment.

Advice for emerging African American leaders:

I would advise emerging African American leaders to work hard and to be ethical and lead with integrity.  Be your unique and authentic self and remember you are enough! It’s important that you realize you have something of value to offer; you must understand your worth. Demonstrate corporate courage and speak up and out when necessary. Write your own narrative and never let anyone crush your spirit or silence your voice. Listening to hear and learn is critical for growth. You must lift others up as you climb. 

African Americans for who are new to the region: 

Cincinnati is a great area with a lot to offer. I encourage you to come with an open mind and to really explore the city. There is so much rich history and beauty. I would also encourage you to share your time, talent and treasures with one of the many worthy charitable organizations in the city.  

Cincinnati as a “future city” is: 

Cincinnati as a “future city” is a welcoming and diverse community with opportunities for everyone. It means being able to have meaningful and courageous conversations about race relations. Cincinnati as a future city will have an educational system that equips all students (regardless of their socio-economic status) with the skills and tools they need to succeed in life. Childhood poverty will be eradicated in Cincinnati as a future city. We will put an end to the drug crisis we’re experiencing. I will not fear for my children or grandchildren’s safety because they are “driving while black” in a nice car they legally purchased in an area where they are “perceived” to be out of place or not belong. Cincinnati as a future city will be a place that people want to be!