Indianapolis, June 23, 2016—The North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) is pleased to announce Julie Cain Burkhard will join staff in the new role of Chief Legislative Officer (CLO).
A long-time champion for the fraternal movement, in this role Burkhard will produce effective advocacy programs that strengthen higher education partnerships and utilize government and legal affairs. Her work will directly contribute to the NIC 2.0 priorities established with the passage of landmark reforms in late 2015.
The NIC needs strong leadership in our government relations efforts as public policy has a growing impact on universities and our members,” said Judson Horras, NIC President and CEO. “Julie’s dedication and relationships in this area will help the NIC build a legislative affairs program that is transparent in its intentions and unified around influencing public policy to support the fraternal community.”
Burkhard joins the NIC after working in higher education for 36 years, including positions at The University of Georgia, University of Virginia and University of South Florida. She has made an impressive impact through professional and key volunteer roles in fraternal organizations, serving as chairman of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), leading the Phi Mu Foundation for four years as executive director, and spending 10 years on the Alpha Chi Omega board, including four as national president. The Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors (AFA) recognized Burkhard with one of its highest honors, the Jack L. Anson Award, for her long-term commitment to the fraternity/sorority community.
I am honored to work for the NIC at a time when advocacy for the fraternity experience and government relations is a primary focus,” said Burkhard. “It’s an exciting team to join; I welcome the opportunity to accomplish many things that will help to solidify a positive fraternity experience in North America.”
Burkhard has been a consistent, positive force within fraternal government affairs. She was a founding board member of the Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee (FSPAC) and the organization’s first female president. She most recently served as the Fraternity and Sorority Action Fund (FSAF) president. Independent of her role at the NIC, Burkhard has also been hired as a fundraising consultant for the FSPAC and FSAF. Serving those organizations as Director of Development, Burkhard will focus on growing their financial resources to fully engage fraternities and sororities in the public policy debates that affect the fraternal experience.
Burkhard became a member of Alpha Chi Omega at The University of Georgia, where she also earned her master’s degree. She will work from her home in Atlanta and will begin her role with the NIC in July 2016.
