Juli Schmidt is a distinguished retired United States Navy officer who has successfully navigated the transition from military service to executive leadership in the private sector. With over 25 years of experience, Juli has built a dynamic and mission-driven career rooted in operations, human resources, business development, and strategic leadership. Her deep commitment to service—both national and organizational—has shaped her into a versatile and results-oriented leader with a passion for talent development and organizational growth.
Throughout her Naval career, Juli held numerous high-responsibility roles, including Commanding Officer at the Navy Operational Support Center on Long Island. In this role, she was solely accountable for the execution of Navy operations in the region, supporting over 250 sailors across multiple units and managing a $3 million annual budget. Her leadership was marked by strategic decision-making, operational efficiency, and the ability to inspire diverse teams in high-pressure environments.
Juli’s expertise in talent strategy came to the forefront during her tenure as Senior Director of Executive Development and Senior Director of Human Resources within the Navy. There, she provided direct counsel to C-suite military leadership on matters of senior executive placement, succession planning, and workforce structure. She oversaw the development and implementation of executive learning programs and workforce initiatives that influenced over 62,000 personnel, showcasing her capacity to scale impact while maintaining strategic alignment.
In the private sector, Juli most recently led the Career and Performance Development sector for Northwell Health, one of the largest healthcare providers in the Northeast. She led end-to-end talent development initiatives supporting over 83,000 employees across 23 hospitals. Her work fostered a culture of continuous learning and advancement, aligning talent strategies with organizational mission and values. Her ability to integrate military precision with business agility helped drive a performance-focused culture across a highly complex healthcare system.
Juli’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Oceanography from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD and a Master’s of Science degree in Management from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. She also completed Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phase I at the U.S. Naval War College. Her professional certifications include the PHR® (Professional in Human Resources). She is currently pursuing a graduate certificate in AI-Driven Leadership: Strategies for the Future from Stanford University. These qualifications highlight not only her academic rigor but also her commitment to lifelong learning, and inclusive and values-based leadership.
A passionate advocate for fitness and wellness, Juli is a nationally certified group fitness instructor for over 20 years. She integrates this personal passion with her professional ethos by promoting healthy lifestyle choices and work-life balance among her teams. As a mom and lifelong learner, she values resilience, mentorship, and the pursuit of excellence in every facet of life.
Juli’s board experience and professional affiliations include active involvement with the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association, the Letterwinners Association, and service as a Blue and Gold Officer for U.S. Naval Academy admissions for the Greater Long Island Area. She has also participated in leadership support networks such as the Foundation for Women Warriors and Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM). These connections reflect her dedication to service, leadership, and empowering the next generation of professionals.
She is drawn to board opportunities that allow her to contribute to high-level decision-making and organizational development. Her global deployment experience has equipped her with a keen understanding of cross-cultural collaboration and international operations, making her a valuable asset to companies with a global footprint or growth ambitions. She is particularly interested in organizations within healthcare, wellness, and fitness, but remains industry-agnostic and driven by mission, not sector.
Juli believes in servant leadership—sharing her accumulated knowledge not only to solve complex problems but also to empower others. She seeks board roles where she can provide strategic input, guide succession planning, help build high-performing teams, and sponsor emerging leaders. Her legacy is one of mentorship, mission alignment, and transformative leadership across sectors.
Character:
Juli demonstrates unwavering integrity and resilience, cultivated through decades of military service and executive leadership. She values mentorship, personal growth, and the well-being of others, always leading by example with grace and grit.
Knowledge:
Her knowledge spans operations, HR strategy, performance management, and finance, backed by certifications and advanced education. She leverages this breadth of expertise to drive transformation and empower organizations at scale.
Strategic:
Juli’s strategic thinking is rooted in her ability to align talent with mission, optimize resources, and deliver measurable results. Her success across both military and corporate settings proves her capacity to shape and execute long-range visions.
Communication:
With strong public speaking skills and executive presence, Juli is a clear, persuasive communicator. She thrives in cross-functional settings, easily translating complex information into actionable insight for leaders at all levels.
