Kim Garza Turner

Turner was born and raised in Beaumont, Texas, and from an early age, her father encouraged her love for art. In 2001, Turner moved to Denton to attend the University of North Texas as an art history major. Turner was in art class on the UNT campus on the morning of September 11, 2001. The events of September 11th, combined with taking her first political science class, had such a profound impact on Turner that she changed her major to political science and decided to pursue a career in politics.

During her time at UNT, she interned on Capitol Hill in 2004 for Congressman Michael C. Burgess, MD. A semester internship turned into a year, when she was chosen as the sole intern in the West Wing of the White House during President George W. Bush’s 2004 re-election.

Turner served as campaign manager, fundraiser and senior advisor to Burgess for almost twenty years before transitioning to the University of North Texas on November 1, 2024, as the executive director for community and external relations.

In 2023, Turner served as the UNT system coordinator for the Texans for More Top Ranked Texas Universities PAC, which successfully promoted the passage and adoption of Proposition 5 (the Texas University Fund). In addition, Turner has worked as a political consultant and fundraiser, managing and advising various campaigns, and named by The Dallas Morning News as a Rising Star in Texas politics.

Turner is active in her community and church and serves as a children’s Sunday school teacher. Kim just completed her 14th year with the Junior League of Dallas, where her volunteer focus has been with the Crimes Against Children and Women Against Violence National Conferences. In addition, Turner served the maximum six years as one of the youngest Board of Trustees for the Dallas Historical Society. Turner is a proud alum of Chi Omega Sorority where she served as president at UNT.

Turner is an avid long-distance runner, completing numerous marathons across the country. Her love for art continues as she collects and invests in American folk art.

Turner and her husband, Chance, recently celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary and they are the proud parents of two boys, Tillman and Tapley. They reside in Dallas, although they try to spend as much time as possible at their ranch in Athens, Texas.

Based in: Dallas
Organization: University of North Texas
Position: executive director, community and external relations
Speaking topics: careers in public service, campaigning and elections, advocacy and organizing, leadership as a woman in government, supporting women in government
Audience preferences: all
In-person or virtual: both
Speaking format: any
Speaker fee: none

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Page last updated 1:24 PM, October 10, 2025