Julia Willis has more than 10 years of government-financed healthcare experience. She currently serves as the Vice President of Maximus, focused on program management and operations. Julia’s diverse experience includes overseeing bid and proposal efforts on the CCO, coordinating start-ups and ramp-downs, leading high-priority initiatives, developing and implementing program-wide incentive programs, and managing program financials for a program with upwards of 13,000 employees during peak periods.

Julia holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Fashion Merchandising Management from the Fashion Institute of Technology. She also holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI).
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How did you get started in healthcare? Did you always have a passion in this area or did it happen by chance? 

I actually began my career in retail. My transition to healthcare occurred unexpectedly when I sought new opportunities after my previous employer closed down. Fortunately, a former manager recommended me for a position with a government contractor supporting a contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. After spending a day listening to call center interactions with Medicare beneficiaries and hearing their heart-wrenching stories, I became deeply committed to the work. It was profoundly meaningful to me, knowing that each day I contributed to ensuring that individuals with Medicare and their families understood and received critical healthcare benefits.

How do you stay motivated in your day-to-day? What keeps you inspired?

My motivation lies in enhancing the accessibility of government services for the citizens we serve. As a government contractor at Maximus, we act as a vital link between the government and the public, facilitating essential services such as Medicare and obtaining affordable health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. I am continually inspired by the dedication and compassion of my colleagues, many of whom have devoted decades to supporting specific government agencies. Their commitment to ensuring the success of these agencies is truly commendable. It is an honor to work alongside such an exceptional team.

You’ve recently joined WBL’s Membership Committee, and you have participated in numerous WBL events. Can you share more about what WBL has meant to you?

I had the privilege of joining WBL in the spring of 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. I was highly impressed with how WBL adapted by creating dynamic virtual programming and events, which allowed me to meet new people and stay connected during a time of limited in-person contact. One of my first in-person professional development events post-pandemic was the WBL Summit, an invaluable experience that has since become a priority for me to attend annually.

Over the past four years, I have made great friends, expanded my network with an exceptional group of women, and gained significant knowledge. Recently, I joined the Membership Committee to give back to an organization that means so much to me and to ensure that new WBL members receive the same warm welcome that I experienced.

Personally or professionally, what might other members be surprised to learn about you?

I am an active volunteer with Carolina Boxer Rescue, a dog rescue organization in the Southeast. My family has greatly enjoyed fostering several dogs and helping them find their forever homes. This experience has taught my daughters responsibility and the importance of giving back to our community, even at a young age. Although it can be difficult to see a dog move on to their new home, it is extremely rewarding.

We currently have an elderly “foster fail” named Tinsel, who has severe separation anxiety. After she was returned by an adoptive family, we decided to adopt her as she had become very attached to our family. Our volunteer efforts have since shifted to transporting dogs up and down the East Coast, as boxers are rescued from shelters and moved to foster homes or their new forever homes.