La Salle University Recognizes Civic Contributions of
Sharmain Matlock-Turner with Its Charter Day Award

Sharmain Matlock-Turner, President of the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition (GPUAC) was honored by La Salle University with its Charter Award for her dedication to improving the quality of life in the city and region. The award honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in corporate, civic, governmental, or religious affairs, regardless of whether they attended the university.

Matlock-Turner, a member of La Salle’s Board of Trustees, received the award at the University’s annual Charter Day Dinner, which marks the founding of the University in 1863.

“In the time I’ve known Sharmain as a member of our board, I’ve been impressed with her commitment to the city of Philadelphia and its people, particularly children and youth,” said Brother Michael McGinniss, F.S.C., President of La Salle. “She’s an inspirational leader and, I’m proud to say, a friend.”

In 2000, she joined the Board of Trustees at La Salle.

“I am proud to be a member of the La Salle board.  The university keeps a keen eye towards its future,” said Matlock-Turner. “It has embraced the idea and developed the plan that unites the interests of the university and the community more strategically, and I am glad to have participated in this endeavor.”

A native of Virginia, Matlock-Turner moved to Philadelphia at an early age and fell in love with her new home.

“La Salle’s commitment to education, to the city and to the neighborhood are the right thing to do and they are the smart thing to do,” said Matlock-Turner.

“Children of all races and classes are challenged today – there’s so much coming at them so quickly. The technology changes so fast, and they’re bombarded with so much information, both positive and negative. There are so many barriers to success, whether it’s education, or family stress. We have a responsibility to make way for the next generation who will one day run our country,” she said.

Matlock-Turner began her tenure at GPUAC in March 1999, with a special distinction:  she is the first woman to lead the organization in its 38-year history.

Prior to being named GPUAC President, Matlock-Turner was associate vice president, legislative and community affairs, for Mercy Health System.  For nine years prior, she was chief of staff to the late State Senator Roxanne H. Jones.

Matlock-Turner holds a B.S. degree in Education from Temple University. In 2005, she was one of three Philadelphia nonprofit leaders selected to receive a scholarship to the Harvard Business School’s nonprofit leaders' summer program.

Since Matlock-Turner became its President, GPUAC has grown over the last seven years from a $20 million organization to one with an annual budget of $33 million and nearly 400 full-time employees.

GPUAC unites government, business, neighborhoods, and individual initiative to improve the quality of life in the region, build wealth in urban communities, and solve emerging issues. In partnership with a diverse Board of Directors made up of business, nonprofit and community leaders, Matlock-Turner and her team of managers forge coalitions and build consensus to help families reduce poverty and reach the middle class.

The organization operates programs directly in the areas of workforce development, health, neighborhood and community services, economic and business development, and education.  These programs focus on opportunities that matter most to low-income households, working families and minority-owned businesses.  They include the “Keep Kids Safe Summer Camp,” enabling city children affected by violence to enjoy overnight camp in the country and learn conflict resolution skills, and being hired to take the GPUAC model of economic inclusion on construction projects to Atlantic City and Baltimore.

In addition to being a board member of La Salle University, Matlock-Turner chairs the boards of trustees of two community-based organizations in Northwest Philadelphia: the West Oak Lane Charter School and the Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Project (OARC). She also chairs the board of the Peoples Emergency Center, which provides housing and social services to homeless families, and is located in West Philadelphia. 

Matlock-Turner is also a board member of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, The Reinvestment Fund, and United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania.