Turner's Memphis Team Honored at the 2025 Robert R. Church Awards

In Memphis, The MMBC Continuum recently hosted its annual Economic Development Forum, bringing together leaders from across the region to discuss growth, innovation, and opportunity. A highlight of the event was the presentation of the Robert R. Church, Sr. Achievement Awards, recognitions that honor individuals and organizations making significant contributions to economic business development.

This year, two members of Turner’s Memphis team were recognized for their leadership and impact:

• Khalif Johnson, Procurement Manager – Advocate of the Year Award
• Eileen Peterson, Procurement Administrator – Rising Star Award

These honors reflect their individual dedication as well as the collective commitment of Turner to supporting local businesses and building a stronger community.

Recognizing an Advocate: Khalif Johnson
For more than two decades at Turner, Khalif Johnson has been a driving force behind efforts to expand opportunities for local and diverse trade partners. In his role as Procurement Manager, Khalif works tirelessly to create pathways for businesses, ensuring that they are included in projects and positioned to thrive.

Khalif’s recognition as the Advocate of the Year Award underscores his ability to connect strategy with relationships, strengthening the Mid-South construction market.

A Rising Star: Eileen Peterson
Eileen Peterson, Procurement Administrator for Turner’s Memphis office, received the Rising Star Award for her advocacy of economic inclusion and support of small business growth. In her time with Turner, Eileen has advanced procurement practices by strengthening supplier relationships, aligning contracts with capacity, and opening pathways for more firms to contribute to Turner projects.

Her recognition highlights the impact of her work in expanding opportunities for small businesses and reinforcing Turner’s commitment, at every level, to inclusive growth in the construction industry.

A legacy of community impact
The Robert R. Church Awards are named for one of Memphis’ most influential Black business leaders, who championed economic development and empowerment during the city’s early history. Being recognized in this context is especially meaningful for Turner’s Memphis team, as it reflects alignment with a broader legacy of building opportunities that last.

For nearly four decades, Turner’s Memphis team has worked alongside community partners like The MMBC Continuum, MAMCA, the Greater Memphis Chamber, TCAT, and the University of Memphis to strengthen the local workforce pipeline. These partnerships, combined with the dedication of team members like Khalif and Eileen, have positioned Turner as a trusted partner in advancing Memphis’ economic future.

These awards affirm that our impact extends beyond buildings. They demonstrate the role our people play in shaping our community, fostering opportunity, and ensuring that growth is shared.