LEADERSHIP

Julie Towner, CEO of Towner Communications, is a leader in business and advocate for women’s success. Discover her journey and impact on Kansas City and beyond.

From Strategic Foundations to Visionary Leadership

Julie’s professional journey is marked by experiences that shaped her into a seasoned and highly effective leader. Early in her career, she honed her operational and strategic expertise as a Production Manager at GAP Inc., overseeing complex supply chains across the Americas. Her ability to streamline processes and manage global teams laid the groundwork for her future success.

In 2008, Julie demonstrated her entrepreneurial acumen by acquiring a struggling business and transforming it into a profitable venture. This hands-on experience in business revitalization taught her invaluable lessons about resilience, innovation, and leadership—qualities she would later bring to Towner Communications.

Transforming Towner Communications

In 2016, Julie acquired Towner Communications with a vision to modernize and professionalize the company. Under her leadership, Towner Communications:

• Achieved certification as a women-owned business in Kansas, Missouri, and federally.

• Expanded its client portfolio to include national and international accounts.

• Secured recognition as one of the Midwest’s fastest-growing telecommunications firms.

Julie’s ability to balance strategic foresight with a people-first approach has made Towner Communications a trusted partner for businesses navigating the evolving telecommunications landscape.

Recognition and Influence

Julie’s contributions have earned her numerous accolades, solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer:

• Kansas City Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business (2021): Honoring her leadership and impact in the business community.

• Goldman Sachs 10K Small Businesses (2024): Selected as part of Missouri’s inaugural cohort, recognizing her as a leader in small business innovation.

• Enterprising Women of the Year Award (2020): A national distinction celebrating her entrepreneurial achievements.

• Inc. 5000 Company: Towner Communications has twice earned this recognition under Julie’s stewardship.

Julie’s ability to inspire and lead has made her a sought-after voice in the telecommunications and business communities.

Thought Leadership and Advocacy

Julie’s impact extends far beyond her business. As a thought leader, she is deeply committed to advancing the next generation of leaders and fostering innovation. Her roles include:

• Board Member, Kansas City Repertory Theatre (KC Rep): Supporting the arts and strengthening community connections through culture and storytelling.

• Circle of Red, American Heart Association (since 2020): Advocating for women’s heart health and awareness.

• Vistage Member (since 2018): Engaging with top executives to drive impactful business strategies.

• Stanford Graduate School of Business Leadership Graduate: Refining her strategic expertise through one of the world’s most prestigious programs.

• Mentor and Advocate: Actively supporting initiatives such as Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City and NAWBO to empower emerging leaders.

Julie’s leadership is grounded in service and collaboration, making her a role model for aspiring executives.

Public Speaking and Media Features

Julie is a sought-after speaker, frequently invited to share her insights on leadership, innovation, and the future of telecommunications. Her appearances include:

• Keynotes at industry conferences: Highlighting best practices for navigating technological advancements.

• Panel discussions on leadership: Offering her perspective on fostering inclusive and effective organizational cultures.

• Media features in business publications: Including articles in the Kansas City Business Journal and other prominent outlets.

These engagements showcase her expertise and reinforce her position as a thought leader in the industry.

Case Study: Driving Client Success

Under Julie’s leadership, Towner Communications successfully overhauled the telecommunications infrastructure for a multi-location healthcare provider, resulting in:

• A 40% reduction in communication costs.

• Enhanced reliability through a shift to cloud-based solutions.

• Improved patient satisfaction due to streamlined contact center operations.

This is just one example of how Julie’s strategic vision translates into measurable impact for clients.

By the Numbers: Julie’s Impact

• 8+ years leading Towner Communications.

• 40% cost reductions achieved for key clients.

• 2x Inc. 5000 recognitions for Towner Communications.

• Dozens of mentorship hours invested in aspiring leaders.

Julie’s Leadership Philosophy

Julie is known for her unique blend of strategic vision and approachability. She believes in empowering her team, clients, and community by creating opportunities and fostering meaningful connections. Her leadership is characterized by:

• Focus on Excellence: Setting high standards and consistently exceeding them.

• Commitment to Growth: Investing in continuous learning and innovation.

• Empathy and Accessibility: Leading with authenticity and a genuine desire to uplift others.

Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: great leaders don’t just drive results—they inspire others to achieve their fullest potential.

A Vision for the Future

Julie’s vision for Towner Communications goes beyond business growth. She is committed to ensuring the company remains at the forefront of technological innovation while maintaining its reputation for exceptional customer service. Her emphasis on fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture positions Towner Communications as a model for modern business leadership.