Ms. Julie Blanks serves as the Acting Chief of Staff, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness.

In her permanent capacity, she serves as the Principal Director for Military Community and Family Policy, and assists the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy with a broad portfolio that includes policy, advocacy, and oversight of all community support to service members and families including quality of life issues; family and casualty assistance; morale, welfare and recreation programs; Military OneSource program; and policy oversight of the Defense Department's commissary and exchange services.

Prior to her assignment, Ms. Blanks served as Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Civilian Personnel Policy where she was responsible for policy and oversight of civilian personnel plans, policies and programs that affect Department of Defense employees worldwide.

Ms. Blanks entered federal service in 2001. She is a graduate of the U.S. Naval War College where she earned a master’s degree in military strategy. She holds two additional master’s degrees, one in social work from the University of Alabama and the other in human resources management from Troy University. She earned a bachelor’s degree in communication at Auburn University.