Justyn Turner, Vice President, Partnerships

What led you to NYCEDC?

Since graduating from SUNY Albany, I had worked for the NYS Assembly, the NYS Democratic Assembly Campaign Committee, the NYS Senate, and the NYS Senate Campaign Committee. One day, I realized I wanted to use my knowledge and skills in new ways. At that time, I was serving as the Chair of the Bedford Union Armory Advisory Committee where NYCEDC was a member. I got to experience firsthand how NYCEDC approached community engagement, and I was hooked. Growing up in a Black and Brown community where you were taught that development wasn’t for you, I valued and loved the idea of creating a table where community members could help steer the changes in their community.

How did your career path change since joining NYCEDC? How did your past position prepare you for the transition?

When I first started at NYCEDC, I served as the Brooklyn Borough Director where I got to ensure that the community’s voice was heard. I had the honor of serving in several communities throughout Brooklyn, like East New York, Sunset Park, and Coney Island—just to name a few. My role involved everything from community board meetings and design approvals to borough board meetings, lease extensions, and events like ribbon cuttings and block parties. This broad exposure to community development introduced me to diverse career paths and inspired me to explore new opportunities within the organization. My previous role gave me a great understanding of the organization because I engaged with community and elected officials about different types of projects, which gave me the knowledge to understand the tools that NYCEDC uses to facilitate change and development.

What’s your current day-to-day role?

I lead the Strategic Partnership team here at NYCEDC. We are responsible for creating public-private partnerships for the City. We focus that work among three main partnership opportunities: academia, incubators and accelerators, and corporate partners. We also help facilitate large citywide events, like conferences.

What advice would you give to someone just starting in your field?

Approach the work like you approach life—slow and steady, and with a sense of curiosity and enthusiasm.

What’s your 5–9 after your 9–5?

Anything outdoors like basketball, hiking, road trips, or just spending time with my daughter.