Camaraderie for a greater mission

Byron Turner

Senior Associate, Single-Family Digital Alliance and Distribution

Carrying out a mission takes collaboration and belief in a common purpose. Our U.S. service members know this well, and it can be a driving force of their success in defending our country. For Byron Turner, a U.S. Army veteran with more than two decades of service, dedication to “mission” has led him to serve others throughout his career, whether in the military or here at Fannie Mae.

While serving as an Army reservist later in his military career, Byron also worked in community development as a civilian and found a common interest with Fannie Mae in providing affordable housing to underserved communities. More than a decade later, he’s still carrying out the affordable housing mission as a Fannie Mae employee.

This Veterans Day, we’re honoring and thanking those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. Veterans continue to serve our community in many ways, including through civilian jobs. Learn more about how Byron’s military career led him to be a part of Fannie Mae’s mission.

Q: How did you start your career at Fannie Mae, and what is your current position?
A: I joined Fannie Mae in 2006, working with the Multifamily business in housing and community development. I currently support the Single-Family business as a member of the digital alliance and distribution team, helping to ensure the effective distribution, adoption, and utilization of our products for our customers.

Q: How did your experience in the military prepare you for a career at Fannie Mae?
A: My military service taught me invaluable listening skills, and the importance of teamwork. Both attributes helped me succeed throughout my Army career. At Fannie Mae, the lessons I learned from the military help me accomplish whatever assignment comes my way, knowing that my role is part of a bigger mission here, too.

Q: What knowledge or skills helped you transition into the civilian workforce?
A: As a quartermaster in the Army, my specialty meant that I was often one of the key logisticians on the battlefield, responsible for managing the flow of supplies. Understanding the importance of providing exceptional customer support was critical. Managing complex processes and providing that same exceptional customer support is a key component of the Fannie Mae mission and our customer-centric approach.

Q: What about Fannie Mae’s mission and values drew you to a career here?
A: While serving in the Army Reserve, I was also the chief executive officer of a community development corporation, charged with developing affordable housing throughout Louisiana. In my civilian job as CEO, I worked with Fannie Mae on a local project to provide affordable housing resources to underserved communities. Fannie Mae was a key partner in several developments, and together we produced more than 500 units of affordable housing. That same mission still matters to me and I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to make a difference for those who need it most, whether serving in the Army or as part of the Fannie Mae team today.

For more information about careers and how you can be a part of Fannie Mae’s mission, visit fanniemae.com/careers. To learn more about our affordable housing initiative, please visit our website.

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