Wes Turner, president and publisher of the Star-Telegram since 1997, has been named chair of the 2007 United Way of Tarrant County Workplace Campaign. Turner is a long-time supporter of the local United Way, having served on the Board of Directors from 2000 to 2006. He was chair of United Way’s Alexis de Tocqueville Society in 2004, in addition to serving on the Campaign Committee and Executive Committee.

“We are thrilled that Wes has accepted this position because he knows both United Way and our community so well,” said Ann Rice, interim president and CEO of Tarrant County United Way.
 

Turner started his career at the Fort Worth Press in 1973, and joined the Fort Worth Star-Telegram in 1975 when the Press ceased publication.

As the top Knight Ridder employee in 2006, Turner received the John S. Knight Gold Medal. In 2006, the Texas Daily Newspaper Association (TDNA) awarded him the Pat Taggart award as the best newspaper publisher in Texas.
 

In addition to his position with United Way, Turner is on the boards of the Performing Arts of Fort Worth, Van Cliburn Foundation, Fort Worth Symphony, Boys & Girls Club, and the Davey O’Brien Foundation. He also serves on the advisory councils for the University of Texas at Arlington and Texas Christian University.
 

“I’m looking forward to working with businesses throughout our community,” said Turner. “When companies support United Way through an employee campaign, they find there are tremendous benefits for them as well. It’s an excellent way to enhance team building while encouraging employees to become more involved in their community and neighborhoods. Even smaller businesses can participate and make an important contribution to the betterment of Tarrant County.”
 

Funds raised during the United Way campaign support a variety of programs. Historically, United Way supports other nonprofit agencies, and the Tarrant County organization continues that tradition. The organization also assesses key issues in the community and creates collaborations from the public and private sector to address each issue. Currently, United Way is working on issues surrounding early learning and development, child abuse and neglect, senior isolation, adult literacy and childhood obesity.