TAYN Ep. 77 - Julie Horntvedt

Julie Horntvedt has served as the Executive Director of the North Dakota State Council on Developmental Disabilities for the past nine years. In this leadership role, she is responsible for the overall strategic direction, administration, and daily operations of the Council, a 23-member body appointed by the Governor to advocate for system change and promote inclusion and independence for individuals with developmental disabilities across the state. Julie provides executive oversight for the Council's federally mandated initiatives, including the development, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive five-year State Plan. She is responsible for authoring the Council's annual federal performance report and work plan, ensuring alignment with both state and federal priorities under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. As a key liaison between the Council, state and federal policymakers, Julie works collaboratively with public agencies, advocacy organizations, and community stakeholders to advance policies and practices that improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities. She has a strong focus on capacity building, interagency collaboration, and community engagement. Julie also serves in several appointed and elected capacities that support cross-system advocacy and coordination. She is a member of the North Dakota Olmstead Commission, the Comm unit of Practice for Secondary Transition, Bismarck-Mandan Transit, and the North Dakota Cross Disability Advisory Council. She currently chairs the North Dakota Disability Advocacy Consortium and serves on the board of Uspire ND, contributing to statewide initiatives focused on accessibility, equity, and inclusive education and employment outcomes.