Julie Murphy - Managing Principal
Julie Murphy brings over 30 years of experience in local, state, and federal public policy, specializing in economic development, government affairs, and geospatial technologies. As the founder and Managing Principal of JFM Strategies, and as a Strategic Partner at KBS Group, she works with clients ranging from Fortune 20 companies to nonprofit organizations and government entities.
Prior to forming JFM Strategies, Julie served as Director of Legislative affairs in Missouri Governor Jay Nixon’s Department of Economic Development, where, as the governor’s principal liaison, she ensured the passage of key job-creating legislation. Julie also worked in the Washington, DC, and St. Louis offices of US House Democratic leader Representative Richard A. Gephardt, where she served as Special Assistant to the congressman until his retirement in 2004. Julie also served as a legislative or campaign aid to several elected officials, including US Senator Bill Bradley and the late St. Louis County Executive George “Buzz” Westfall.
Julie is a key player in Missouri economic development, playing a significant role in some of Missouri’s largest economic development projects including Pinnacle Entertainment’s $900 million investment, and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and US Army Corps of Engineers Next NGA West $1.75 billion project in St. Louis.
Numerous civic organizations have recognized Julie for her efforts; including the St. Louis Business Journal top 40 under 40, St. Louis Magazine’s Power List: 100 People Who are Shaping St. Louis, the Lemay Chamber of Commerce Crecelius Award, and she is an honorary plank owner of the USS Missouri, an honor given by the United States Navy. Most recently, Julie was named a 2025 Most Influential Businesswoman by the St. Louis Business Journal.
Her background in professional and community service is extensive. She currently serves as a member of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) Intelligence Community (IC) STEM advisory committee, the T-Rex Geospatial Innovation Center advisory committee, and Greater St. Louis, Inc.’s Geofutures Coalition. Murphy also has a passion for community development and has been working to revitalize one of St. Louis’ oldest and most historic neighborhoods, Laclede’s Landing. She serves on the Board of Missouri Main Street’s Laclede’s Landing Neighborhood Association.
Julie has served on the Board of Directors for the St. Louis Community College Foundation Board, the South St. Louis County YMCA, the World Bird Sanctuary, and the Lemay Child and Family Center. She is a graduate of the CORO Women in Leadership program, is a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary Post 2866, and currently serves on the National Council of Washington University in St. Louis’ Gephardt Institute of Civic and Community Engagement.
A graduate of Saint Louis University, Julie earned a bachelor’s degree in political science. She also holds a Master of Public Policy Administration from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Born and raised in Sainte Genevieve, Missouri, Julie and her family call St. Louis home.