Julia Gaughan – Chair (Class of 2025, At Large) is a member of Plymouth Congregational in Lawrence, Kansas. Julia obtained her Bachelor’s degree in American Studies and her J.D. from the University of Kansas. After experience with and recovery from mental health crisis, Julia left a litigation career to pursue work as an advocate and educator with a domestic violence center and presently works as the Prevention and Education Manager for her local community mental health center, teaching Mental Health First Aid and organizing trauma-informed care and resiliency-oriented efforts. She has served as Moderator for an 1100-member church, chaired the Vision and Ministry Task Force, serves on the Racial Justice Task Force, and facilitates the Let’s Talk White Privilege Curriculum. She has just recently served on the Senior Pastor Search Committee at her home church. In addition, Julia has served on the Board of Kansas Interfaith Power and Light (now known as Kansas Interfaith Action), participated in Bishop Kemper School for Ministry, an Episcopal lay seminary, and served with Family Promise as a community care coordinator. Julia enjoys spending time with her husband and son playing board games, traveling, and watching soccer; writing; and reading as many books as possible. Her skills include: Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations, Group Process, Human Resources, Justice Advocacy, Mission Visioning and Planning, Organizational Skills and Public Speaking.
