NOC Appoints Executive Director

Julie Palma, who joined the Neighborhood Outreach Connection (NOC) in June 2022, has been appointed as the organization’s Executive Director, effective September 26, 2023. Julie is a resident of Hilton Head Island and lives with her husband Michael in Hilton Head Plantation.

     Julie is the organization’s Chief Executive Officer, providing leadership, knowledge, and professionalism to help NOC grow and prosper so that more low-income families can benefit from NOC’s community development efforts. In keeping with NOC’s mission, business model, and strategic priorities, she will be responsible for the organization’s business, administration, and day-to-day operations.  She will ensure successful implementation of NOC field operations and outreach programs relating to education and enrichment, health and wellness, and workforce/community development. She will give special attention to results and impact, and to building stronger relationships with families, communities, and partner agencies.

     Julie brings to NOC leadership qualities and experience in the field of education, management, and human resource development.  She has over 18 years experience in public education, both teaching and administration, and dealing with high-risk children.  Julie is strongly committed to NOC’s mission, business model, and development approach to lift people out of poverty.

     Julie recognizes that NOC, established in 2008, has been very successful in implementing its mission and programs with tangible results and impact. It has established a strong foundation, a proven business model and development approach, and a high standard of integrity in its operation to grow and expand its programs locally and nationally to help those living in poverty. Julie will build on this foundation and promote the following goals:

GOAL 1. Reduce the “achievement gap” of children from underserved neighborhoods and low-income households locally.

GOAL 2. Improve the health of people living in low-income neighborhoods through health screenings and health and wellness education, referrals, public safety, and good nutrition and wellness.

GOAL 3. Augment skills and knowledge of low-wage workers through NOC’s workforce development and social entrepreneurship programs.

GOAL 4. Build stronger communities through NOC’s outreach programs and community development efforts in low-income neighborhoods served by NOC.

GOAL 5. Replicate NOC model in other low-income neighborhoods locally, statewide, and nationally over the next three years.