Active in Our Community 

• Board Member of Fair Haven, our regional rape crisis center
• Participated in the United Way's work group to find better child care options for ALICE families. (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.)
• Serves on the Crossroads Regional Chamber's Voice of Business committee
• Member of Rebuilding Together South Lake County
• Member of Home Builders Association NWI
• Member Indiana Federation of Republican Women
• Winner of the International Athena Leadership Award

Strong Family and Faith

Julie has been married to Ron Olthoff since 1986 (38 years). Ron is a retired union (UFCW 1546) electrician working for Land O' Frost for over 28 years. They attend CrossPoint Church and together have participated in 8 mission trips to Argentina, 1 to Brazil, and 2 to Panama City, Panama. Julie's favorite pastime is working with clay on the pottery wheel. Here the answer to the number one question: They are not related to Olthof Homes; the spelling is different.

A Proud 'Regionite'

Born, raised, and educated in Northwest Indiana, Julie's life experiences, problem solving skills and servant attitude make her the best choice as your state representative. The second oldest of 7 children, Julie attended Lew Wallace High School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from Indiana University Northwest, and paid for her schooling by working as a cake decorator at Glen Park Bakery. Growing up in Gary and living in Lake County gave Julie a solid appreciation for the rich diversity in our community, something to be celebrated.

Employed at Ad-com Advertising for 9 years, she quickly earned the position of art director. Branching out to start VIA Marketing in 1987, an award-winning local marketing communications company, Julie grew the company to 15 employees. In 2007 the recession hit hard and just like most small companies, she learned the pain of letting a few good employees go. The team at VIA made it through the pandemic. Strength of character and innovation are built during hard times. VIA is an IDOA Women Business Enterprise (WBE certified since 1998) and INDOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE). After 38 years, Julie sold VIA Marketing. Her wisdom, compassion, and resilience are still utilized as Chair Emerius.

Involved Government in Service

• R-Indiana State Representative: District 19, Served Four Terms 2015-2016, 2017-2018, 2021-2022, 2023-2024, 2025-2026

• Merrillville Plan Commission for 8 years: 2002 - 2008, 2010-2012, 2019-2020

• Merrillville Board of Zoning Appeals for 6 years: Served July 1994-December 1997, Chairman 1995, Re-appointed 2012 & 2019-2020

• Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series: Class of 2019-2020

• Merrillville Redevelopment Authority: President 2014-2019

• Merrillville Redevelopment Commission: 2020