Turley attended his first board meeting June 9 during Eckerd Youth Alternatives’ Board Development Conference, June 8-10, at the Belleview Biltmore Hotel.

“As a proven leader, Stewart Turley brings a breadth of experience and business acumen to our board,” said James T. Swann, chairman of EYA’s board. “We are delighted to have him as a member.”

“I have observed the wonderful service performed by EYA since its founding by Ruth and Jack Eckerd,” said Turley. “I feel honored to be on this board and look forward to assisting in future years.”

For 11 years, Turley worked for Crown, Cork & Seal Co., Inc. in Orlando, Fla. and Philadelphia. In 1966, he began working at Eckerd Corporation. He worked his way through the ranks until 1974, when he began serving as president and CEO. In 1975, he also was named chairman of the board, serving until his retirement in 1997.

Turley has served in directorship positions of Steadman Hawkins Sports Medicine Foundation; Turley Family Health Center; the U.S. Ski Team Foundation; Vail Valley Foundation; Vilar Center Arts Foundation; Eckerd College; as well as Sprint Corp., Springs Industries; MarineMax; and WCI Communities, Inc.

“We help improve the lives of thousands of youth in our care every day,” said EYA President and CEO Karen V. Waddell. “With Stewart Turley on our board, the future of our kids will be brighter and will benefit from his direction and leadership.”

Turley joins board members Ruth Eckerd, Eckerd Youth Alternatives’ co-founder; Swann; Nancy Eckerd Hart; Joseph W. Clark; Ken O’Herron; Waddell; and Karen Brown Dunlap, Ph.D.