Julie Freeman

Julie Freeman is a dynamic and accomplished leader known for her vast experience and innovative mindset. With a strategic vision driving her, Julie consistently brings a balance of skills and expertise to her role as the Chief Administrative Officer at the University of California, San Diego Sanford Institute for Empathy and Compassion. In this position, she ensures the smooth operation of daily activities and holds herself accountable for team performance.

One of Julie's greatest strengths is her ability to influence key stakeholders, which enables her to develop highly talented teams. Her leadership has been instrumental in propelling the organization towards its goal of exploring the neurobiology of compassion, informing medical education, and addressing the pressing issue of physician burnout.

Julie’s career, which spans the United States Department of Defense, United States Navy (civilian), and the University of California, San Diego, is a testament to her strategic leadership. She has consistently taken on leadership challenges while mentoring teams and maintaining fiscal accountability in every role. Her strategic leadership positions in business development and financial management have been instrumental in her success. Notably, Julie has achieved remarkable success as a CEO, founder, and entrepreneur, gaining invaluable expertise in building and leading sales teams, marketing strategies, and identifying untapped business opportunities, showcasing her diverse expertise.

She graduated from Arizona State University, earning a degree in organizational leadership. Her dedication to giving back is evident in her volunteer work with MANA of San Diego, an organization focused on nurturing and empowering Latinas through education, leadership development, and community service. She also mentors first-generation college students at UC San Diego Chicanx Latinx Staff Association (CLSA), demonstrating her commitment to empowering others. Currently serving on the Committee of Status of Women, Julie makes recommendations to the Chancellor and VCEDI regarding policies and practices that will improve the campus climate and overall experience for women students, staff, and faculty at UC San Diego. Julie has a strong commitment and desire to positively impact the Chicano(a) and Latine communities in San Diego County; Julie is in the culturally relevant Leadership Training Institute Fellows Program of the Chicano Federation of San Diego County.

Julie is a leader who combines her extensive experience, strategic vision, and innovative thinking to make meaningful changes in the organizations she serves. Julie is driven by her commitment to fostering talented teams, advancing compassionate healthcare, and positively impacting her community.