Julie began working full-time for Growing Hope Foundation as its executive director in September 2012. Prior to that she served 12 years as the pastor of Emmons Lutheran Church, Emmons, MN. While serving Emmons Lutheran Church, Julie was also on the board of directors of the Winnebago Cooperative Telelcom Association. Julie received her Bachelor’s degree in sociology from Luther College, Decorah, IA in 1992 and her Masters of Divinity degree from Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN in 1997. In December 2016, she received her MBA from West Texas A&M University, Canyon, TX.