Julia Keleher

For over 25 years, Dr. Julia Keleher has worked to advance social equity and improve government systems. An inspirational leader unafraid to challenge the status quo, Julia has led successful reform initiatives in the public, private and nonprofit sectors.  Julia’s tenacity and passion have enabled her to be successful in even the most resistant of contexts. 

Equipped with expertise in education, workforce development, and criminal justice reform, Julia effectively translates strategy into action through her skills in planning, managing, implementing, and evaluating. She earned her B.A. in Political Science and MS Ed in Psychological Services from the University of Pennsylvania. She earned a doctorate degree from the University of Delaware and an MBA from Strayer University. She is a certified Project Management Professional and Paralegal. She has served as an Adjunct Professor in various universities since 2008.

Julia has held leadership positions at the local, state and federal levels. She launched two successful management consulting firms and has extensive experience in C-suite roles in the nonprofit sector.  An accomplished speaker and author, Julia has been recognized by two Excellence in Government programs (2010, 2012), named Outstanding Professor of Project Management (2014),  identified as an Extraordinary Changemaker (2017), and awarded the Leadership Award for Valor in Crisis (2018). During her career she's made appearances on TODAY, PBS NewsHour, C-SPAN and many other national TV programs, and has been published across leading trade, academic, and mainstream publications.

Julia is known for her transparency, work ethic and willingness to speak truth. She’s passionate about criminal justice reform and uses her lived experiences and insights to inspire others and raise awareness of the importance of second chances. Her pro bono work includes serving as a Smart Justice Ambassador, advocating for probation reform and supporting clean slate initiatives.