Julia E. Heath is a dedicated advocate for independent music and nightlife, drawing from her diverse experience in venue and festival operations.

Having worked in live entertainment since college, Julia became involved in industry policy during the pandemic shut-down. She has worked to advance the interests of independent venues, notably in California, where she represented over 600 venues, promoters, and festivals while successfully advocating for the federal Shuttered Venue Operators Grant in 2020. Her work in California helped secure $150 million in state-level support for venues and spearhead the creation of a specialized “music venue” liquor license. In Sacramento, she formed a city-wide independent venue coalition to represent the interests of small venues and their employees.

Prior to shifting her focus towards music policy, Julia had several roles at brick and mortar venues including Director of Operations, General Manager, Talent Buyer, Photographer, and Marketing Director. While she isn’t working in venues until the early hours of the morning anymore, she still enjoys going to shows around New Orleans as a patron.

Julia remains committed to fostering a community-driven approach and shaping a brighter future for live entertainment policy, ensuring inclusive and vibrant experiences for all involved.