Julia D. Novak, ICMA-CM, is CEO/executive director of ICMA, the International City/County Management Association, which advances professional local government worldwide through leadership, management, innovation, and ethics. ICMA is the authority on leadership and management for appointed professional managers and administrators serving U.S. and international local governments. 

Julia will oversee all aspects of ICMA, including membership, staff, and implementation of the executive board’s strategic objectives. With extensive experience in local government, Julia has served as both a city manager and a deputy city manager. She has been an ICMA Credentialed Manager since 2002 and has successfully built a thriving consulting practice, advising various local government entities with populations up to 1.3 million people. 

Julia's global experience includes supporting local government work in Iraq, China, and Africa. Her proven leadership ability and entrepreneurial vision will help ICMA continue to evolve and grow, ensuring the organization effectively serves its members and advocates for their important work. 

Julia earned a master’s in public administration from the University of Kansas and a bachelor’s degree from George Mason University.