Women’s Employment Network Elects Erin Cole as CEO, Succeeds Sherry Turner

(L to R) Erin Cole will become CEO of the Women’s Employment Network on April 1 and current president Sherry Turner will step down. Photo credit: Women’s Employment Network.

Posted March 2, 2026

The Women’s Employment Network announced the appointment of Erin Cole as the nonprofit’s new chief executive officer, who will be succeeding current president Sherry Turner.

Cole will officially begin the role as CEO on April 1. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker and brings with her more than 16 years of experience at The Women’s Employment Network (WEN) to the role.

“I am honored to lead Women’s Employment Network into its next chapter,” Cole said in a release. “When women gain stability through employment, the impact reaches far beyond the individual — strengthening families, workplaces, and our entire region. Our focus remains on expanding access, deepening employer partnerships, and embracing innovation so women are equipped to succeed in a rapidly evolving workforce.”

First joining WEN in 2010 as a case manager, Cole has held several key leadership positions, including chief operating officer and chief development officer. As COO, Cole had operational oversight of the organization’s $1.3 million plus budget.

Before joining WEN, Cole served as a Field Liaison at The University of Kansas School of Social Welfare for over a year and as an Intensive Supervision Officer at Johnson County Court Services for over five years.

Cole succeeds Turner, who will transition to an advisory role and continue assisting with other community projects. Turner became president of WEN in 2009.

Turner founded OneKC for Women in 2009 and Women’s Capital Connection in 2008. Before that, she was the executive director of the Women’s Business Center.

“She [Cole] has a sincere commitment to our mission, a strong understanding of the communities we serve, and the leadership needed to guide this organization into its next chapter,” Turner said in the release.

Founded in 1986 by Beth Smith and Marjorie Powell Allen, WEN is a nonprofit organization empowering women to achieve economic stability and career success in the greater Kansas City area.