Scott Turner’s 2nd Act: A Public Servant Ready To Lead HUD?
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Anyone who immediately dismissed Scott Turner’s qualifications to lead the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) knows very little about the man – and even less about his public service since leaving the National Football League. Scott Turner’s unique combination of experience, public service, and hands-on engagement makes him an ideal candidate for the role.
Turner spent nine years in the NFL disrupting passes and shutting down sideline runs for the Washington Redskins, San Diego Chargers, and Denver Broncos. But his second act has revealed the heart of a true public servant, with a God-given talent for relating to and connecting with people. These are the traits that will serve him well as he seeks Senate confirmation for a place in President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet.
After serving two terms in the Texas House of Representatives from 2013 to 2017, Turner became executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first administration. The council coordinated federal agencies to attract investments into economically depressed areas—dubbed “opportunity zones”—that qualify for federal tax incentives.
These opportunity zones gave Trump’s administration a practical tool for urban development and investment in underserved communities. Turner took that toolkit directly to urban areas, engaging with local leaders and residents in a hands-on way rarely seen by federal officials. Trump himself credited Turner with “helping to lead an unprecedented effort that transformed our country’s most distressed communities.”
HUD’s Challenges Close to Home
Critics doubting Turner’s fitness for the job should consider his proven track record of forging relationships with local leaders during Trump’s first term. His existing ties with mayors, city governments, and housing authorities position him uniquely to deploy federal resources effectively and efficiently.
Most importantly, he’s not starting from scratch. Strong relationships are critical to HUD’s success, particularly in maintaining partnerships with local housing authorities, which are integral to addressing the needs of underserved communities. Turner’s ability to engage with private-sector partners, coupled with his deep understanding of opportunity zones, will give him an edge as HUD secretary.
HUD’s Mission and Turner’s Vision
At its core, HUD is responsible for meeting the nation’s housing needs, ensuring fair housing laws are upheld, and addressing shelter shortages for the country’s most vulnerable populations. The agency provides housing assistance to over 4.3 million low-income families through public housing, rental subsidies, and voucher programs.
Scott Turner is no stranger to the realities of poverty. Throughout his life, he has seen undervalued and under-invested communities – and now, he’s in a position to help. He can bring his toolkit and say, “Let’s work together to attract investments and create solutions that truly work.”
Prepared to Lead on Day One
Turner has also remained active in recent years. As chair of the Center for Education Opportunity at the America First Policy Institute, a think tank established by former Trump staffers, he has been laying the groundwork for a second term. This means he is prepared to hit the ground running on Day One.
Turner’s nomination represents more than a second act for a professional athlete. It is a continuation of his commitment to public service and a unique opportunity to bring his deep understanding of opportunity zones, housing challenges, and local government partnerships to one of the most critical federal agencies.
Scott Turner’s life work demonstrates his readiness to lead HUD with the compassion, drive, and hands-on approach our communities deserve.
Ashley Bell is the founder and CEO of financial services platform Ready Life, board chairman and CEO of Redemption Holding Co., former chief of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Southeast Region and former White House policy adviser for entrepreneurship and innovation in the Office of American Innovation.
Darius Jones is the Founder and President of the National Black Empowerment Council (NBEC), a nonprofit dedicated to closing systemic wealth and achievement gaps in Black communities. Darius also serves as Senior Advisor to the National Black Empowerment Action Fund, driving grassroots advocacy and leadership training nationwide.
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