Julie Friedman graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Alabama with a BA in Art History. She was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and received the Mary Morgan Scholarship for Arts.

She currently serves on the Boards of the Mobile Museum of Art, the Alabama Writers' Forum, the Alabama Contemporary Art Center, the Alabama Writers Hall of Fame, the Paul Jones Gallery at the University of Alabama and the Library Leadership Board at the University of Alabama. Mrs. Friedman is also a member of the Alabama Bicentennial's Mobile Committee and the Friends Board of the History Museum of Mobile.

Mrs. Friedman's other civic activities have included serving on the boards of the Mobile Arts Council, the Mobile Ballet, the Mobile Opera and the Junior League of Mobile. She is a graduate of Leadership Mobile and participated in the Leadership Initiative of Leadership Alabama.

She is married to Dr. Frank Friedman. They have three adult sons and two grandsons.

Mrs. Friedman has served in a number of leadership positions during her long-time service on the Council including the Chair of the Council (2010-2011), Vice Chair (2008-2009), Chair of grants review committee and Chair of the long-range planning committee.

Mrs. Friedman currently serves on the grants review committee.