League Elects Deborah Ann Turner President of the Board of Directors

Voting rights organization celebrates 100th Anniversary at national convention 

WASHINGTON – Friday, the League of Women Voters of the United States elected Dr. Deborah Ann Turner to serve as the 20th president of the board of directors.  

“Deborah Turner’s commitment to advancing voting rights and her dedication to democracy reform make her the right leader for our national board of directors,” said Virginia Kase, CEO of the League of Women Voters. “As a medical doctor and an attorney, Deborah’s experience and vision will shape our work for the next two years. The League is preparing for the election of our lifetime and our membership is fortunate to have such an accomplished woman directing our focus.” 

A League member for more than a decade, Dr. Turner spent the last four years on the national board of directors, where she advanced the League’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as chair of the DEI Committee. Hailing from Iowa, she now calls Omaha, Nebraska home. 

“I see my role as President as a tremendous honor, an important opportunity, and a great responsibility,” Dr. Deborah Ann Turner told more than two thousand League members Saturday in her Convention remarks. “The League is at the intersection of democracy, social justice, and civil rights and it is through that lens that we seek to advance voting rights in this country.” 

Outgoing national board president Chris Carson, who served two terms in the role, presided over the Convention, where voting members committed to the next two years of advancing the Campaign for Making Democracy Work®. 

“It has been one of the great honors of my life to serve as president of the League of Women Voters,” said Chris Carson, “With the collective leadership of Deborah and Virginia, the League is positioned for great success as the organization enters its second century.” 

Delegates from all 50 states and the Virgin Islands attended the League’s 54th National Convention, which was held virtually June 25-27. The event included a keynote address from CBS News Anchor Norah O’Donnell.  

The League membership also elected a new national board of directors that will serve through June 2022, including Jessica Lowe-Minor (Vice President), Jessica Rohloff (Secretary), Leah Edwards (Treasurer), Onyinye Akujuo, Liz Bander, Melissa Breach, Melissa Currence, Joan Hunault, Sania Irwin, Allison Riggs, and Lali Watt. 

Watch Dr. Turner's Convention remarks HERE. 

CONTACT: Sarah Courtney | 202-263-1332 | [email protected]