JULIA GORTON

Julia Gorton is the senior director of state government affairs for the Washington Hospitality Association – one of the state’s largest trade associations, which serves more than 5,700 members.  She has been with the association for more than a decade, and oversees the association’s federal, state and local advocacy, political programs and public relations activities.  

Julia has earned a reputation in finding solutions to complicated policy issues, spearheading the effort to create the state’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program in 2017 – the first of its kind in the country. She was appointed to and serves on the state’s Unemployment Insurance Advisory Committee, the Paid Family Leave Advisory Committee and is vice chair of Enterprise Washington, an organization that seeks positive political outcomes for the business community in Washington. 

Over the last two years, she led her state advocacy team to secure nearly $3 billion in relief for businesses impacted by the pandemic. 

Julia’s collaborative approach to problem solving captured the attention of her peers, earning her a nomination and selection to the “40 Under 40” list from South Sound Business in 2022. 

Julia graduated from Western Washington University with a B.A. in political science and social studies, and currently lives in Olympia with her husband, daughter and dog.