River Campus Libraries has named Seattle-area business and communications leader Julia Maddox as director of the Barbara J. Burger iZone. She began her role on January 9.
Maddox will play a pivotal role in the design of the collaborative, technology-rich space. Made possible by a $1 million gift to River Campus Libraries by University trustee Barbara J. Burger, iZone will provide students with programs, services, and resources to explore their ideas and develop innovative projects for social, cultural, community, and economic impact. iZone, which will occupy space on the first floor of Rush Rhees Library, is expected to be completed in October 2017.
Maddox brings to her role 10 years of experience as a creative business leader and community builder in organizations including, most recently, Puget Sound Energy, and before that, the Washington Environmental Council’s People for Puget Sound initiative.
“Every organization that I have ever led focused on bringing diverse people together to think about interesting challenges in the world and help address them,” says Maddox. In her new role, she will help connect students with peers and appropriate University resources, as well as local leaders from the community who will assist them in developing their ideas.
“Julia’s leadership and her experience working in both the business and not-for-profit sectors make her a perfect fit for her new role,” says Mary Ann Mavrinac, vice provost and Andrew H. and Janet Dayton Neilly Dean of River Campus Libraries. “She will be very effective with our students, and will help us create bridges within the University, and between the University and businesses and social agencies in the City of Rochester.”
As director, Maddox serves as a member of the team that will design iZone’s physical space and the programs it will offer. These may include an entrepreneurs-in-residence program, professional development workshops, and a match-making program that connects students with services, mentors, and project partners.
Grant Dever, former president of the Students’ Association Government notes the importance Maddox places on collaborating with students and on seeking their input. “I feel confident that she has the skills and the vision to successfully lead iZone from its design stage into its manifestation as an innovative space and program that will greatly benefit University of Rochester students,” he says.
Maddox holds a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Jazz from the George Washington University.
