Jillian Turner
Senior Content Strategist
As a senior content strategist, Jillian Turner develops and manages strategic content for the firm’s financial technology, electronics and startup practice areas.
With a strong business reporting background and years of experience crafting content for a wide variety of audiences, Jillian looks for any opportunity to enhance clients’ messaging and relevance to help them stand out within increasingly competitive markets. She works closely with the PR team to create bylines, blog posts, social copy, whitepapers and research reports that generate both awareness and sales leads for clients.
Prior to joining Walker Sands, Jillian worked as a digital content writer for PYMNTS, producing content about the topics and trends impacting the payments and commerce space – with a specific focus on cybersecurity, payments fraud, Internet of Things, FinTech innovation, mobile technology, omnichannel and eCommerce.
Jillian’s passion for storytelling runs deep, with her previous journalism experience ranging from working as a reporter for a daily news organization in Cape Town, South Africa to covering the tech startup industry right here in Chicago as a freelance writer. Prior to earning a master’s degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Jillian managed million-dollar projects for a government contractor delivering IT solutions and trainings for the Environmental Protection Agency.
She earned her bachelor's degree from Virginia Tech, where she double majored in marketing and management, with a specialization in entrepreneurship, innovation and technology. Outside of Walker Sands, you’ll most likely find her cheering on the Hokies and enjoying all of the wonderful Mexican food Chicago has to offer.
Q&A with Jillian Turner
What is your favorite book of all time?
I can’t pick just one, but a book I highly recommend is Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer. It’s great for anyone that wants to learn more about where our food comes from!
What is your favorite place in Chicago that isn't a typical tourist destination?
Pretty much any farmers market, but especially the Green City Market in Lincoln Park.
Would you rather have the office stocked 24/7 with Starbucks coffee or Garrett popcorn?
As much as I love popcorn, I’d still have to go with Starbucks.
One thing people in the world wouldn't know about you?
I’m terrified of birds! I’ve had some bad (but some would say funny) experiences with them so now they just freak me out. If there’s a group of pigeons hanging out on the sidewalk I’m probably going to cross to the other side of the street.
If you could live anywhere else in the world where would it be?
Probably Italy or Spain.
