2026 Virginia Black Business Leaders Awards: JULIAN WALKER

Julian Walker launched his career as a reporter covering government and politics for newspapers in Pennsylvania and Virginia, including the Richmond Times-Dispatch. In 2014, Walker pivoted, taking a job as a communications director at Capital Results, a Richmond public affairs and consultancy firm, before moving in 2015 to the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association, where he oversees internal and external communications, including media relations, strategic communication and messaging in support of advocacy and public policy initiatives. He’s also involved with VHHA publications and digital channels, advertising, focus group research and public awareness campaigns.

For a few months in 2025, Walker performed double duty, working at the VHHA while also serving as press secretary and a policy adviser to Richmond Mayor Danny Avula.

Walker earned his degree in mass communications from James Madison University and an MBA from Longwood University.

PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: There are many. One that stands out is being part of the team that helped achieve Medicaid expansion in Virginia as the culmination of a multiyear effort. Approval of that policy by state lawmakers enabled hundreds of thousands of low-income Virginians to qualify for health care coverage. Another was supporting Mayor Danny Avula during the early days of his new administration as he navigated the Richmond water crisis that unfolded in just his second week in office. I’m also proud of myself for going to graduate school in my 40s and earning an MBA, with honors, while juggling work, family and life responsibilities.

WHAT I’VE LEARNED: Being decent to other people is always a good policy as is helping others when you can.