United Services for Children announces Julie Turner as new President and CEO
United Services for Children, a St. Charles-based nonprofit agency, announced today that its Board of Directors has appointed Julie Turner, Ph.D., of Lindenwood University, as the agency’s new President and CEO, effective Nov. 1, 2024. Dr. Turner succeeds Denise Liebel, who will help facilitate the transition process before retiring at the end of December.
“I’m truly honored and excited,” Turner said. “It’s a privilege to step into this position, following the remarkable leadership that has shaped this much beloved and deeply respected organization. I look forward to continuing the mission of supporting children and families in our region, building on the strong foundation and legacy that have been established.”
Turner joins United Services after serving 15 years as Professor and Department Chair of Nonprofit Administration at Lindenwood University’s Plaster College of Business and Entrepreneurship, where she was Associate Director of the Duree Center for Entrepreneurship and served as grants and research manager.
Beyond the university, Turner is the Chair of the Community Council of St. Charles County, immediate past-Chair of Vision Leadership St. Charles, and Regional Chair of Thrivent Financial-Heartland Region. She actively volunteers within educational, nonprofit, and church settings.
United Services’ new CEO has 25 years of education and nonprofit leadership. She has worked as a K-12 teacher and administrator, a development and grant writing specialist, and has held various key leadership roles with organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri, Children’s Advocacy Services of Greater St. Louis, and the Today & Tomorrow Educational Foundation.
Turner has a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, a master’s degree in Adult and Continuing Education from Michigan State University, and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Religion and Education from Hope College.
Recognized as the 2020 Professor of the Year by the Lindenwood Student Government Association, Turner has received several other honors, including the Lindenwood Service Award (2018) and the Emerson Award for Teaching Excellence (2015). In 2020, the ATHENA Leadership Foundation of St. Charles County bestowed Turner with its annual ATHENA Leadership Award, acknowledging her professional achievements, commitment to community betterment, and promotion of women’s advancement.
United Services for Children is a nonprofit organization that delivers therapy and early intervention to young children with developmental disabilities or delays, and provides support services for their families. The CEO transition comes on the eve of the agency’s 50th year. Founded in 1975, United Services has helped more than 10,000 children throughout St. Charles County.
The agency’s Board of Directors conducted a five-month executive search process before selecting Turner.
“Julie’s experience and community presence fits well with the agency’s growth plans over the coming years,” said Board Chair Stacia Peterson. “Julie is engaging and a proven leader in the community, and we can’t wait to partner with her.”
Liebel joined United Services as President and CEO in 2011. She helped the agency adapt to evolving community needs, including launching an outpatient therapy program, navigating through a changing education system and the COVID pandemic, and moving the organization in 2023 to a new, expanded headquarters.
“It has been a great honor to work alongside such a dedicated staff and Board of Directors for the last 13 years,” Liebel said. “Their achievements have allowed us to meet the community’s increasing need for services. I look forward to watching the agency continue to grow under Julie’s leadership.”