Julia Dale

After a 23-year career in public service at Michigan state agencies, Julia joined CIvilla as its CEO in 2025. Julia first encountered Civilla in 2021 when she was serving as the Director of Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency. While there, she partnered with Civilla to design a digital tool for unemployment insurance claimants and employers to guide them through the benefits process. Now, she leads Civilla’s long-term strategy to bring similar human-centered improvements to institutions across the country. 

Julia’s career in public service was shaped by her life experiences as a young person. Julia grew up in poverty as the daughter of a single mother and was exposed to physical violence and drug and alcohol abuse. The public benefits that Julia received helped her thrive and shaped her desire to become a civil servant and assist others in difficult situations. 

Julia is a graduate of the James Madison College at Michigan State University and Wayne State University Law School. She loves thinking outside the box and getting outside her comfort zone as she works to serve others. Outside of work, Julia loves exploring new books and checking out antique shops. She once ran a half marathon dressed as Mary Poppins.