Julie Matthews

Julie A. Matthews – Chief Operating Officer, National Entrepreneur Center
Ecosystem Builder | Strategic Operator | Champion for Small Business Growth

Julie A. Matthews is a dynamic, results-driven Chief Operating Officer with a distinguished track record of fostering innovation, cultivating collaborative ecosystems, and scaling mission-driven organizations. With over two decades of experience in small business development, business incubation, and nonprofit leadership, Matthews has played a central role in accelerating inclusive economic growth through strategic partnerships, resource network development, and operational excellence.

At the National Entrepreneur Center (NEC), Matthews has been instrumental in shaping Central Florida’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by designing and implementing high-impact programs, building robust cross-sector collaborations, and aligning resources to drive small business success. She has led complex initiatives that integrate community engagement, capital access, and workforce development to support entrepreneurs at every stage of growth.

A recognized leader in entrepreneurial support systems, Matthews has provided strategic oversight for administration, investor relations, compliance, and logistics, ensuring the NEC operates as a seamless, accessible, and high-performing hub for business acceleration. She is also known for fostering innovation through systems thinking, adaptive leadership, and stakeholder alignment.

Her prior roles at the University of Central Florida and the NEC include serving as Interim Executive Director, where she successfully guided the organization through periods of transition and growth. In 2011, she received the Eagle Award from the American Building Association for leading the NEC’s creative headquarters relocation and redevelopment project - an initiative that exemplified her commitment to placemaking and community revitalization.

Matthews holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and is a Certified Incubator Manager through the International Business Innovation Association (InBIA). Her leadership during the SBA’s disaster response to Hurricanes Irma and Maria was formally recognized by the SBA Office of Disaster Assistance, highlighting her ability to mobilize support infrastructure in times of crisis. As Program Manager for the Florida Business Incubation Association, she successfully doubled both membership and engagement, reinforcing her talent for coalition building and network expansion.

A proud Orlando resident since 1991, Matthews brings not only professional expertise but also lived experience - married to a small business owner of over 36 years, she deeply understands the realities entrepreneurs face. Outside of her professional endeavors, she enjoys boating, scuba diving, and cherishing time with her family.