Turner named to lead new Henrico Department of Outreach and Engagement

Jelisa Turner has been appointed to lead the Henrico Department of Outreach and Engagement, Henrico’s newest government agency.

Turner, who previously served as the Henrico Fire Community Assistance, Resources, and Education (CARE) Program manager, will begin her new position Aug. 24.

The Henrico County Board of Supervisors created the new agency with the goal of better serving the diverse needs of all county residents. It will be tasked with performing community outreach and engagement and overseeing the county’s strategy for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

Turner also previously served as Henrico’s advocate for the aging, overseeing the office that offers services for older adults. In her most recent role with Henrico Fire, Turner created a strategic plan to develop an alternative community-based response model for the county’s emergency services.

A graduate of the University of Southern California and the University of Virginia, Turner holds a master’s degree in gerontology and a bachelor’s degree in sociology.