Nicholas Turner
Executive Vice President of Programs, The Ford Foundation; Former President and Director, Vera Institute of Justice and Vera Action
As President and Director of the Vera Institute of Justice for more than 12 years, Nicholas Turner oversaw dozens of initiatives that made justice systems more fair and effective, including work connected to the first trafficking victim identification tool statistically validated in the United States. He also served as President and Director of Vera Action. In January 2026, the Ford Foundation today announced Mr. Turner’s appointment as its Executive Vice President for Programs.
“It’s not as simple as being asked, ‘Are you a victim of trafficking?’ Victims often face cultural differences, a sense of shame, a deep-rooted fear of law enforcement—but they can overcome these barriers to getting help if they’re asked the right questions.”