Donor Profile: The Turner Family and Choptank Transport

“My interest in UM Memorial Hospital Foundation goes back to when I served on the Memorial Hospital Board (now known as University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Easton) from 1993 through 2000, first as a Board Member and then as a Board Chair,” says Al Turner, co-founder and CFO, Choptank Transport, a full service logistics and transportation provider based in Preston. “At that time my wife Becky and I were raising a family and very much involved with the hospital through my work on the Board and the Memorial Hospital Foundation. Although I have completed my service on the hospital Board, I continue to be a supporter of our local hospital and health care system because it is a fantastic resource for our community.”

The ties between the hospital in Easton, Al, his wife Becky and their family run deep: Al’s three children were born there and his oldest son, Greg Turner, had been treated at the hospital two years ago following an industrial accident. Greg fully recovered from the accident, which Al credits not only the fast-acting first responders who treated his son, but also the team of medical professionals who cared for him at the hospital.

“I appreciated the care my son received when he was in the hospital,” remarks Al. “It’s reassuring to know that we have a local health care system right here in our community. So why not give back?”

Al continues to be involved and supports the UM Memorial Hospital Foundation by participating in the annual UM Shore Regional Health Golf event. Each year, Al and his son, Geoff Turner, President and CEO of Choptank Transport, sponsor a company foursome.

“The golf tournament is a fun event enjoyed by all, but more importantly it is a great way to give back to our community,” comments Geoff Turner. “My parents instilled the importance of community involvement and giving back in all of their children, and now their grandchildren—it’s just the right thing to do. I wholeheartedly believe in giving back. Further, as a large employer in the community, it’s important to me to have quality health care resources that support our staff and their families.”

Al’s son, Geoff, has embraced the family tradition of philanthropy. “Geoff understands how important it is to support the community you live and work in, and the hospital is an incredible institution that has taken care of me, my family and my community,” says Al.

Employees of Choptank Transport have also adopted the Turner’s ‘giving back approach’. In recent years, several employees have supported breast cancer initiatives and donated to the Shore Regional Breast Center (now named Clark Comprehensive Breast Center). In addition to supporting the local hospital and healthcare system, Choptank Transport employees are involved in other local charities and organizations including Preston Volunteer Fire Department, Feeding America, Habitat for Humanity and the Maryland Special Olympics.

Recently selected as one of The Washington Post Top Workplaces for the second year running, health care and wellness is top priority at Choptank Transport, where the company’s philosophy and mission encourages employees to make healthy lifestyle choices. “Choptank Transport offers its employees a comprehensive wellness program including wearable fitness trackers, free annual flu shots, blood pressure screenings, smoking cessation classes and more,” says Geoff. In addition, a private lounge for nursing mothers was recently enlarged and remodeled at the company’s Preston headquarters.

Emphasizing how important access to excellent health care is to a community, “I sincerely enjoy giving back to our community by supporting events, programs and great organizations like the UM Memorial Hospital Foundation,” says Al. “I believe that the health system is important to our community’s well-being. I want to support UM Memorial Hospital Foundation’s mission–it’s a priority for me and Choptank Transport.”