Joanne Horwood Turner is a distinguished leader with over 50 years of professional experience in law, academia, nonprofit governance, and finance. She has served in various high-level roles, including as a judge, professor, attorney, and nonprofit board president, shaping her career through a broad spectrum of strategic and leadership functions. Her background in analyzing complex legal frameworks, guiding nonprofit organizations, and advising clients in key areas of governance, accounting, and finance make her an asset to any board or organization looking for experienced leadership.

Throughout her career, Joanne has consistently demonstrated her ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and compellingly to varied audiences. As a freelance editor, she has helped numerous non-native English speakers enhance the clarity and natural flow of their writing, applying her keen eye for detail and mastery of language. Joanne’s work spans across editing dissertations, grant proposals, nonfiction books, and academic journal articles, ensuring that each piece of writing meets the highest standards of clarity and credibility.

Her experience as Judge and Chief Judge of the Minnesota Tax Court (2012–2019) highlights her deep understanding of legal processes and judicial responsibilities. During her tenure, Joanne wrote and edited over 240 tax-related legal opinions and mediated complex cases involving property tax assessments, commercial real estate, and Minnesota’s various tax laws. This role required her to evaluate expert testimonies, ensure legal consistency, and guide the court’s transition to a computerized case management system, underscoring her skills in legal research, strategic decision-making, and leadership.

In addition to her judicial work, Joanne served as Assistant Commissioner at the Minnesota Supreme Court, advising the court on petitions for review and editing judicial opinions. Her ability to navigate and summarize intricate legal cases, combined with her keen understanding of workers’ compensation appeals, made her an invaluable advisor to the court from 2005 to 2012. This role further developed her expertise in managing complex legal issues and delivering concise, accurate recommendations to senior judges.

Joanne also brings decades of experience from academia, having taught at prestigious institutions such as The Ohio State University and Rochester Institute of Technology. As an assistant professor, she taught financial accounting, managerial finance, and taxation to both undergraduate and MBA students. Her academic background includes a Ph.D. in Accounting from the University of Minnesota and a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School, making her highly knowledgeable in both the practical and theoretical aspects of finance and law.

Beyond her work in law and academia, Joanne has dedicated significant time to nonprofit governance. She has served on the boards of multiple orchestras, including as President of the Wayzata Symphony Orchestra, where she led the organization through key transitions in leadership and financial management. Joanne’s involvement in nonprofit management showcases her strong leadership capabilities, her commitment to the arts, and her ability to steer organizations toward success even during periods of uncertainty.

Her contributions extend into medical writing and editing, with certifications from Johns Hopkins University and the University of Chicago. Joanne’s expertise in medical terminology, clinical trials, and regulatory writing adds another layer of depth to her diverse skill set, equipping her with the knowledge to navigate both the legal and healthcare industries with precision. Her work on grant proposals and dissertations in medical fields further demonstrates her ability to bridge the gap between technical writing and strategic thinking.

In every role, Joanne Horwood Turner exemplifies strategic leadership, clear communication, and a commitment to excellence. Her broad range of experiences across industries such as law, accounting, academia, and nonprofit governance make her a standout candidate for board positions where experienced leadership and a strategic vision are paramount.

Character:

Joanne is a principled leader who brings integrity, dedication, and a strong moral compass to every role she takes on. She is committed to making it easier for people to do the right thing, guiding organizations and teams with fairness and responsibility.

Knowledge:

Joanne has a deep well of expertise across multiple disciplines, including law, finance, accounting, medical writing, and nonprofit governance. Her academic and professional experiences provide her with a comprehensive understanding of both theoretical concepts and practical applications.

Strategic:

Joanne excels at driving organizations through periods of transition, legal challenges, and financial management with a forward-thinking approach. Her strategic vision enables long-term success and operational stability, making her an asset in leadership roles.

Communication:

Joanne’s ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively has been honed through years of teaching, public speaking, and legal writing. She ensures that technical or intricate subjects are accessible and understandable to diverse audiences.