CHERYL C. TURNER

In 1984, history was made at LASERS when Cheryl C. Turner became the first minority member elected to the LASERS Board of Trustees. At the time, Turner — an employee of the Department of Social Services — did not realize she was breaking barriers that had existed for nearly four decades.

Reflecting on her experience, Turner said:

“I didn’t realize then that I was the first minority to serve on the Board. That experience proved to be, at times, more than what I could have anticipated. There were some people who were so kind and thoughtful, and there were others who managed to shut some doors before I could enter. Eventually, I served alongside Trustees who saw me simply as another Trustee. Along with them, I was able to learn and grow right along with LASERS. We were there during LASERS’ growing-up stage. I came to know wonderful staff and Trustees who helped me and challenged me to have a voice, and I thank them for that.”

Turner devoted her entire 34-year state career to the Louisiana Department of Social Services. She began as a clerk in 1972 and steadily advanced through the ranks during her tenure. Her positions included Clerical Supervisor, Eligibility Examiner, Eligibility Supervisor, Supervisor for the Orleans Parish Child Care Assistance Unit, and Community Specialist for Community Mobilization and Outreach Services in Orleans Parish.

Her decision to run for a seat on the LASERS Board stemmed from curiosity and a desire to better understand the retirement system that impacted state employees’ futures. Turner was also active in her union, AFSCME, where she served as local treasurer and later as vice president representing the New Orleans area on the state AFSCME Board.

“I couldn’t find anyone to tell me about LASERS,” Turner recalled. “I wondered who they were and where my deduction went every payday. I did not realize the full scope of LASERS — from benefits and legislation to technology, investments, and national retirement trends. Coming from a background outside those areas, it was a huge challenge. There was no Serving as a Trustee for Dummies. It was overwhelming, but I was eager to learn.”

Turner served on the LASERS Board of Trustees for 15 years and was elected Board Chair in 1995. During her tenure, she witnessed significant changes in the retirement industry and helped guide the System through periods of growth, modernization, and financial evolution.

She believes some of the most important advancements during her time involved strengthening the System’s investment program.

“As a System, our knowledge grew about what we needed to do and the decisions that needed to be made in order to keep pace with the industry,” Turner said. “We had to ensure benefits would remain available while reducing market risk, diversifying assets, monitoring inflation, working to grant cost-of-living increases, and reducing the unfunded liability. Our goal was to protect the investments of the System. We learned how to stand strong against adversity.”

Turner also recalled the many challenges the Board faced during her years of service, including efforts to consolidate retirement systems, navigating market volatility, improving investment oversight, adapting to rapid technological changes, and maintaining transparency with members and stakeholders.

“We had to learn to better diversify because of our exposure to market losses, hire our own money managers, and understand the world of investments,” she said. “We also faced expansion, sought the best staff to run the System, dealt with fast-paced technology changes, and worked to remain transparent to everyone.”

Throughout her service, Turner developed a deep appreciation for the value LASERS provides to state employees. She noted that many employees initially focus on salary and day-to-day benefits rather than retirement security.

“When employees realize that someone stepped in and planned and secured their future, it is enlightening,” Turner said. “They come to understand what a terrific plan LASERS has and that the guaranteed benefit is a tremendous advantage. Their retirement benefit and DROP are benefits many people wish they had.”

Turner’s groundbreaking election and years of dedicated service left a lasting impact on LASERS and its members.

Reflecting on her time with the System, Turner shared:

“Being a part of LASERS has been a monumental part of my life. My LASERS experience gave more to me than I was able to give in those 15 years. It was on-the-job training that prepared me for other life experiences, and for that I am truly grateful. I was part of a fantastic team of Trustees and friends who helped transform LASERS into one of the top retirement systems in the country today.”