Co-Founder & CEO

A Rhode Island native, Julia has a dynamic career that intersects private equity, hospitality, and technology. She began her professional journey at a Boston-based real estate private equity firm before moving to San Francisco, where she gained invaluable experience in hospitality operations. This environment served as a natural springboard into the fast-paced world of technology, leading her to join a rapidly growing programmatic video advertising platform, BrightRoll. This position proved to be a defining moment, granting her the rare opportunity to work alongside a renowned serial entrepreneur and investor, sharpening her strategic insight within an industry driven by innovation and disruption.

A few years later, amid BrightRoll’s acquisition by Yahoo, Julia was selected to serve as Co-Executive Assistant to Marissa Mayer, then CEO of Yahoo, while also taking on the role of board liaison to the Yahoo Board of Directors. Working at the highest levels of corporate leadership, she gained invaluable experience in decision-making, executive operations, and organizational strategy. Mayer’s mentorship profoundly influenced Julia, refining her leadership philosophy and equipping her with a deep understanding of how to navigate complex corporate landscapes with agility and precision.

After moving to Chicago, Julia teamed up with her trusted former Yahoo colleague, Lisa Casson, to co-found Pennyworth Projects. The two had previously worked together in the Office of the CEO. That shared experience had forged a strong professional bond rooted in shared values, business acumen, and a drive for excellence. Starting Pennyworth together was natural - drawing on their deep expertise in executive support, they launched Pennyworth as a boutique, high-touch agency designed to transform the matchmaking aspect of the support talent landscape. More than just a hiring firm, they take a holistic approach, emphasizing cultural alignment, personality dynamics, and the creation of diverse, high-performing workplaces.

As Pennyworth continues to expand, Julia remains deeply committed to elevating leadership excellence. Her approach is both strategic and personal, ensuring that every client engagement is tailored to align with their distinct needs, values, and long-term objectives.

Outside of work, Julia and her husband, Matt, juggle life in the Chicago suburbs with their three energetic kids and two equally spirited miniature schnauzers. She’s an APT committee member, a book club goer, a travel enthusiast, and a serial networker who thrives on building businesses, making connections, and throwing a good dinner party.