As an undergraduate at American University (AU) in Washington, DC, Fred Turner maintained a regular presence on the dean’s list and was recognized as a presidential scholar. He earned his bachelor of arts in political science with honors in 1993. Fred Turner subsequently remained at AU to obtain his master of arts in political science with a concentration in American government. His 1995 thesis was entitled "Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way - A Historical, Political, and Legal Analysis of Congressional Term Limitations."

Over his years of public service, he has held senior positions with a range of US legislators and federal organizations. Most of his career has been centered on foreign policy, global human rights issues, and working with international organizations and inter-parliamentary assemblies.

Fred Turner has served as chief of staff for US Senator Bob Menendez (NJ) since 2014. Mr. Turner oversees all legislative and policy activities in Senator Menendez’s Washington, DC, office and manages all operations in the Senator's New Jersey offices including press, outreach, special events, and casework.