Mark Turner
Executive Director , Gilroy Chamber of Commerce
When Mark and his wife of 37 years , Sue , left San
Jose to raise their family in a smaller community , they chose Morgan Hill . They desired a small community with friendly neighbors and where opportunities to make a difference existed . For the past 27 years , the residents of South County have been the beneficiaries of that decision .
Mark is a talented photographer ( instagram . com / thescenicshutter ) and gifted public speaker . As an auctioneer and emcee , he has performed locally and across the US to help raise over $ 10 million for numerous causes . He leads “ Wreaths Across America South County ”— raising enough funds each year to place wreaths on the grave sites of 1,300 veterans buried in Gilroy and Morgan Hill . His father — a former Marine , is his inspiration . “ He taught me love of country , respect for our flag , and to honor our military men and women .”
Mark ’ s professional resume is vast . It includes 20-plus years in sales , 12 years in ministry at South Valley Community Church , and his current role as Gilroy Chamber of Commerce President and CEO , taking the helm from Susan Valenta in 2013 . He serves on various Chamber related boards throughout Silicon Valley , representing thousands of small businesses and tens of thousands of employees . He is past President and a current board member of Gilroy Rotary and serves on the Board of Directors for Visit Gilroy . Since March of 2020 , Mark ’ s efforts have helped local and regional small businesses navigate the uncertainties of COVID-19 and SIP mandates — work that continues into 2021 .
Mark leads with integrity and courage , as exemplified on a chaotic Sunday afternoon in Gilroy in 2019 , when he was one of several people who ran toward the sound of gunfire to help others . He helped many escape the melee and provided comfort and critical assistance to the injured . For Mark and others , it was a natural reaction , and simply the right thing to do .
A strong advocate for businesses and community , Mark finds inspiration from others who serve without fanfare . You ’ ll often see him out in front — speaking , raising funds , or telling yet another funny story . However , it is his unrelenting drive to help others behind the scenes often goes unnoticed — and why we think he is a person to watch in 2021 .
Mark and Sue have three adult daughters , two sons-in law , and two grandchildren — one living in Carson City , Nevada , and the other in Southern California .
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN WINTER 2021 gmhtoday . com
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