Sharmain Matlock-Turner has served as CEO of the Urban Affairs Coalition since 1999 and was the first woman to be appointed to the role. The Coalition’s work focuses on improving life chances for youth and young adults, building wealth in low-income communities, forging strategic partnerships across the city, and strengthening the city’s nonprofit sector. One of Philadelphia’s most prominent and trusted civic leaders and an advocate for its most underserved communities, Sharmain also co-founded and is chair emeritus of the West Oak Lane Charter School. Among other current appointments, she serves as Deputy Chair of The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, and is co-founder of the Civic Coalition to Save Lives. Sharmain has received numerous recognitions including The Philadelphia Award (2023).