Carmen Turner, is the esteemed Fort Bend County Tax Assessor-Collector, who has over two decades of government experience and thirty-five years as a business owner. Carmen brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. Passionate about community service, Carmen has dedicated three decades to supporting youth and senior citizens. In her position, she emphasizes transparency, efficiency, and resident empowerment through tax education and resource utilization, continually introducing innovations to meet the needs of the growing population.
With a budget of $8.2 million, six offices, and a team of ninety-four employees, Carmen oversees tax collection for various districts and cities, including Fort Bend ISD, Lamar ISD, Katy ISD, Needville ISD, and Stafford MSD, as well as numerous residential and commercial properties. Guided by faith and dedication, Carmen strives to deliver friendly, efficient, and professional services while fostering innovation to enhance county services.
Carmen's academic journey includes earning a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Minor in Psychology from the University of Houston - Downtown, followed by a Master of Public Administration from Texas Southern University. Alongside her professional pursuits, Carmen co-founded The Smith & Turner Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to restorative justice and prison reform. Born in Bryan, Texas, Carmen is the eldest of five siblings and a devoted mother to her son, embodying a steadfast commitment to the well-being of those she serves.
Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Psychology from the University of Houston. I currently hold an Associate of Arts in Business from Houston Community College, and I am a licensed State Farm agent. I have been in business of my own for the last 35 years, 15 of those years included experience in residential and commercial real estate.
My goal and civic duty is to inform, empower, and innovate while being committed to transparency. I plan to efficiently provide a fair approach to addressing concerns, giving priority to ensuring residents of Fort Bend County are informed and empowered. I will ensure that residents are aware and equipped with the tools needed to adequately meet tax obligations.
Under My Leadership We Will:
My personal mission has remained the same over the years and now it has evolved into a larger scale and the vast opportunity to help more people. One of my passions is working with The Texas Workforce’s re-entry program. Working with this foundation has broadened my senses and willingness to help others. What better way to begin than to start within my own community? Through my partnership with SER – Jobs of Houston, a non-profit organization, I currently operate a commercial trucking company that supports other non-profit organizations who specialize in career development. Just last year we placed over 100 men and women in productive careers with minimal recidivism. This program also allows for student and/or instructor coaching to grow within their family and the community, along with instructional design and delivery.
The Smith & Turner Foundation was founded on the principles of family, faith, and forgiveness. The inspiration for the foundation is the Smith family matriarch Mary Turner and patriarch Gordon Smith. The Smith & Turner Foundation is aimed at providing transitional support and services to the community. This foundation focuses on the 3 initiatives: International CDL Trucking, Smith & Turner "Your" Safe Haven, and The Academy of Life Learning Skills. These three initiatives provide support, strength, and sustainability for those seeking a second chance in society.
Innovation and efficiency are the methods used to support teens with disabilities, recovering addicts, and individuals re-entering the workforce after incarceration. The unconventional approach to recruitment, education, communication, and job placement help to ensure that clients get the opportunities that they deserve.