Member Spotlight: Erica Turner
1. Tell me a little about yourself. What do you like to do in your free time?
I am born and raised in Central Iowa, but have also lived in Chicago and Omaha. I attended the University of Iowa and later earned my APR in 2012. I'm recently engaged and outside of work love to meet friends for yoga or coffee, try the latest restaurant with my mom, meet PR friends for Book Club or enjoy a quiet night at the farm with a solo stove fire and s'mores.
2. What drew you to public relations in the first place?
Strategic communications is needed in every relationship, social and business interaction or environment. I love that through my skills and profession, I support stakeholders to make an impact, manage reputation, drive understanding, connect people and brands, tell stories, calm fears, increase awareness and excitement, negotiate big deals and more.
3. What has your career path looked like? What is your current role?
Currently, I lead domestic and global communications across the Krause Group parent company and its businesses in the U.S. and Italy. I partner closely with the CEO and Chief of Staff to manage brand and personal reputation — providing consultation, executive messaging, talking points and presentation decks to support strategic priorities.
Some of my current priorities are to support the communications and change management surrounding the pending sale of Kum & Go and Solar Transport to Maverik, complete a Krause Group brand refresh, support the Pro Iowa initiative as we look to complete the capital stack, lead the annual CSR report roll out and manage domestic and international agencies and third-party contractors.
Prior to Krause Group, I served as the marketing & communications director at The Iowa Clinic and have nearly 15 years of experience working in various agency settings (global, boutique and mid-sized).
4. How did you get involved with PRSA Iowa?
Early in my career, I was working at Hanser & Associates and joined to get better connected with Central Iowa PR professionals after moving home from Chicago. I’ve been active and involved since then!
5. What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Every single morning as my sister and I would leave for school, my dad would repeat the same message. We always laughed about it but after his passing 6 years ago, a friend had the quotes framed and gave it to me at his celebration of life. That sign is displayed in my children’s bathroom near the sink and serves as a daily reminder of him and the powerful messages he shared: “Be kind to people. Be a good citizen. Trust Jesus. Learn Spanish. And don’t forget to floss your teeth.”
The “be kind to people” sticks with me most. I work with kindness and try to always assume the best in people, even on days where they’re unkind or not bringing their best. We all need a little grace from others.
