Waking up early for farm chores or taking care of a sick cow seems a far cry from the dynamic and competitive world of corporate leadership, but for Sharen Jester Turney, those memories aren’t really that far away.
When the Annie Oakley Society gathers on November 5 at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, the spotlight will fall on a woman whose story begins on a farm and ranch in Ardmore, Oklahoma, and stretches all the way to the executive suites of the world’s most recognizable fashion brands.
BUY TICKETS TO THE LUNCHEON AT THIS LINK
Turney, a pioneering retail executive and philanthropist, will be honored at the Society’s annual luncheon for a career defined by vision, resilience and generosity.
Turney’s story started in the rolling pastures of southern Oklahoma, where she grew up alongside four siblings on her family’s farm and cattle ranch. Her roots run deep in the state — her great-great-grandfather took part in the Oklahoma Land Run of 1889. Those beginnings instilled in her a work ethic and sense of perseverance that would carry her through the fast-paced, cutthroat world of global retail.
After graduating from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in business education, Turney built a career that bridged tradition and innovation.
“I learned that having the grit and never letting your humble beginnings limit your ambition can help in really pushing through any barriers to reach the goals you want to reach,” Turney said.
Turney began her career at Neiman Marcus, where she quickly rose through the ranks, eventually overseeing six merchandising divisions. As president and CEO of Neiman Marcus Direct, she launched the company’s e-commerce platform. This bold move positioned the iconic retailer for the digital age and cemented her reputation as a forward-thinking leader.
In 2000, Turney joined Victoria’s Secret, where her influence reached a global scale. As president and CEO, she steered the company to unprecedented success, nearly doubling revenue and profit during her 16-year tenure.
Under her leadership, the brand became a dominant force, reaching customers in more than 80 countries.
“I was not very well-traveled coming from Oklahoma. I remember the first time I travelled overseas. I had to step into unfamiliar cultures and sit across the table from factory owners to negotiate. That required grit, determination and flexibility,” Turney said. “There were no other women at the table. It was about pushing through that discomfort and turning that new challenge into an opportunity.”
Her expertise was sought worldwide, leading her to take on advisory roles with international companies such as Marks & Spencer, Happy Socks, Paycom, Bread Financial and NewStore. She served as interim CEO of Gloria Jeans, Russia’s largest apparel and accessories retailer, overseeing 600 stores and a growing digital platform.
Despite her demanding career, Turney has remained deeply committed to giving back. Her philanthropic work spans continents, but always reflects her Oklahoma roots. She has supported scholarships and teacher training at her alma mater, invested in cancer research and care, and extended her efforts globally with scholarships for girls in Sri Lanka and humanitarian aid for Syrian refugees in Lebanon and Jordan.
She currently serves on the OU Foundation Board of Trustees and has been inducted into both the OU Hall of Fame for Business Education and the Oklahoma Hall of Fame.
“I really want to see Oklahoma grow its teachers and have teachers stay in Oklahoma,” she said of her support of education at OU.
Her work with organizations such as Catholic Relief Services reflects her belief that education and opportunity should not be bound by geography. Turney has also championed causes closer to home, supporting homeless women and children in New York and working with the Children’s Hunger Alliance in Ohio.
Turney’s career has been recognized with numerous accolades, underscoring both her business acumen and humanitarian spirit. She has received the Fashion Medal of Honor for Fashion Retailing, the Hug Award, and the Dr. Catherine White Achievement Award from HeartShare Human Services. She was also honored as a Way to WIN honoree for her work with vulnerable women and children.
Her latest award comes from The Anne Oakley Society here at The Cowboy.
The Annie Oakley Society exists to honor women of impact — leaders who embody strength, vision, and perseverance. Past honorees include Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Reba McEntire, Admiral Michelle Howard, Kristin Chenoweth, Mary Higgins Clark, Susan Goldberg and Kathie Lee Gifford.
Cathy Keating, national chair of the Annie Oakley Society, described her selection succinctly: “Sharen Jester Turney exemplifies the leadership, vision and compassion the Annie Oakley Society was founded to honor. She’s an innovator in her field and a tireless advocate for education and opportunity, especially for women and girls.”
The luncheon honoring Turney is more than a celebration of one woman’s accomplishments. Proceeds from the event support the museum’s educational programming, including the Liichokoshkomo’ outdoor playscape, which blends STEAM activities with cultural learning. In this way, Turney’s recognition fuels the very causes she has long championed — education, opportunity, and the celebration of heritage.
Also at the luncheon, Courtenay DeHoff will receive the Annie Oakley Society’s Trailblazer Award. She is a popular speaker, television personality and cowgirl. With over fifteen years of experience as a television host, Courtenay advocates for agriculture and has taught tens of thousands in the industry the importance of sharing their story to bridge the disconnect between rural and urban communities.
Turney’s award is described as going to women who have used “true grit and determination” to make a difference and leave a legacy.
She said there are three keys for anyone to instill in their lives to follow that model.
“People matter, community matters and doing the right thing matters,” she said. “When you hold onto those values, you can achieve anything.”
