Denise Turner Roth
Denise Turner Roth is a nationally respected executive and civic innovator whose career spans transformational leadership across local government, federal agencies, and the private sector.
Appointed by President Barack Obama as Administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), Denise led the federal government’s primary real estate, acquisition, and technology agency. Under her leadership, GSA managed a $150 billion annual portfolio and a 13,000-person workforce, while spearheading bold initiatives to modernize government operations and drive economic opportunity. She was the architect behind the agency’s shift toward becoming an economic catalyst, using federal assets and partnerships to revitalize communities and stimulate private investment.
Most notably, Denise oversaw the creation of the Technology Transformation Services (TTS)—establishing a sustainable platform for programming that brought Silicon Valley talent and agile practices into government to enhance digital service delivery and improve how citizens interact with federal agencies. This innovation laid the groundwork for lasting improvements in digital governance and public trust.
Following her public service, Denise served as President of Advisory Services at WSP USA, one of the nation’s leading engineering and professional services firms. There, she led a team of 500 experts advising C-suite leaders on infrastructure planning, policy, and execution across transportation and building sectors.
Denise’s public sector foundation includes roles as City Manager of Greensboro, NC, and Rights-of-Way Manager for the District of Columbia, where she implemented community-forward strategies and operational reforms that left lasting local impact.
In 2023, she launched Neighborhood Nexus Development, a DBE-certified firm focused on reinventing public-private real estate development partnerships to deliver inclusive, resilient communities.
With her rare blend of strategic insight, infrastructure expertise, and executional excellence, Denise continues to advise government leaders, companies, and mission-driven organizations on building the cities and systems of tomorrow.