Candidate for Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy

Julie Martinez Verhoff, CCC-A

Why should ASHA members approve a slate that includes you as Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy for the Board of Directors?

Julie Martinez Verhoff is a dedicated advocate for audiologists and speech-language pathologists serving individuals with communication disorders across all settings and the lifespan. With more than 20 years of clinical, academic, and policy experience, she demonstrates the ability to transform professional priorities into legislative victories. Julie’s extensive ASHA volunteer service includes the GAPPB, PAC, NASHA, CEB, STEP, and AMP. She currently serves as a Topic Chair for the 2026 ASHA Convention, ensuring that pediatric audiology remains central to professional discourse.

As Vice Chair of Delaware’s Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Board, Dr. Martinez Verhoff worked with key policymakers to introduce universal cytomegalovirus (CMV) screening legislation, demonstrating her ability to translate evidence into law. This ability positions her to advance ASHA’s priorities: securing permanent Medicare telehealth authority, protecting Medicaid access, and ensuring adequate reimbursement.

Dr. Martinez Verhoff recognizes the urgency of fighting for professional degree designation under new federal student loan limits, protecting Public Service Loan Forgiveness for school-based clinicians, addressing unsustainable workloads, and ensuring adequate resources. She believes in encouraging community engagement and working alongside those we serve to advance legislative priorities affecting our fields and the individuals who depend on our services. Through adjunct positions at the University of Delaware, Drexel University, and Gallaudet University, Dr. Martinez Verhoff mentors students to view policy engagement as an essential professional responsibility.

Dr. Martinez Verhoff’s 16 years of working alongside multidisciplinary teams and speech-language pathologists reinforces her understanding that collaborative practice provides optimal outcomes. Julie has served as audiology manager and director at children’s hospitals, school systems, and nonprofit organizations.

She currently owns and operates Educational Audiology Advocacy LLC while serving in Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) programs and conducting veterans’ benefit assessments—giving her firsthand knowledge of the payment and regulatory challenges facing ASHA members. Dr. Martinez Verhoff holds a PhD from Gallaudet University and an AuD from The University of Texas at Dallas. She is deeply committed to serving ASHA and its members by advancing policies that strengthen our professions and those we serve.