Faculty

Julie Friesen is a senior NYC government official, serving as Deputy Commissioner of Administration in the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene since 2011. In that role, she is responsible for leading large teams of people and managing budgets and programs to protect and promote public health. Julie’s career in NYC government began immediately after graduation from Milano with a MS in Urban Policy and Management, when she joined the NYC Office of Management and Budget. She moved into progressively more senior roles in the Mayor’s Office of Contracts, the Department for the Aging and the Administration for Children’s Services before assuming her current role.

Julie draws upon her decades of experience working in government in NYC and Canada when teaching Public Management, including anecdotes, real-world examples and guest speakers which supplement the case studies and materials assigned for the course. She also encourages students to share their experiences and perspectives to enrich class discussions.

Before moving to NYC to attend Milano, Julie graduated with a BA in Economics and Political Science from the University of Winnipeg in Canada. She worked as a Special Assistant for a federal Cabinet Minister and was a policy analyst focusing on issues to advance equity for women and girls. She also volunteered by serving on the board of directors of an anti-poverty organization and was President of the board of directors of a community legal education association.

Julie has always been interested in questions of equity and access to opportunities for all people. Believing that government can play an essential role in promoting a healthy, safe and good life for all, Julie is passionate about working in public service and is excited to share her experiences with students. She enjoys visiting museums, galleries, seeing theatre and live music and exploring neighborhoods in this dynamic and ever-changing city.  She is a proud public school parent and lives in Brooklyn. 

BA, Economics and Political Science - University of Winnipeg, Canada

MS, Urban Policy and Management - Milano School of Policy, Management and Environment, New School University