Julie Goonewardene

Julie Goonewardene is an executive, entrepreneur, and board leader with more than 30 years of experience in technology, innovation, health care and higher education. Ms. Goonewardene most recently served as senior advisor to the chancellor and chief talent and innovation officer for The University of Texas System, where she led systemwide talent, innovation, and transformation initiatives across 14 institutions serving more than 260,000 students.

Throughout her career, Ms. Goonewardene has helped organizations navigate change, build partnerships, and advance strategies in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. Before joining the University of Texas System, she held leadership roles at Purdue University and the University of Kansas, where she focused on innovation, commercialization, entrepreneurship, and public-private partnerships. Earlier in her career, she founded and led technology companies, including Cantilever Technologies, which she grew and sold.

Ms. Goonewardene has served as a founder, chief executive officer, advisor, investor, and board member for organizations in the technology and health care sectors. Her board and advisory experience includes service with the American Medical Association, the National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Diaceutics PLC, where she served as board chair and helped guide the company through its initial public offering.

Ms. Goonewardene holds a Bachelor of Science with honors in general management and a Master of Science in health communication from Purdue University.