Ukraine Foundation
Inspiring Change, Driving Impact
Julie Rushin is an internationally recognized expert in public sector modernization, tax administration, and government reform, with over four decades of distinguished service in the U.S. federal government and international advisory roles.
She currently serves as President of Rushin Consulting, LLC, advising public and private institutions on tax systems, strategic planning, and digital transformation, including past work as Executive Advisor to the CEO of H&R Block.
Most recently, Ms. Rushin served as Senior Director at Peraton (2021–2025), where she oversaw a $250 million portfolio of 37 financial and regulatory programs across more than ten U.S. government agencies. From 2018 to 2021, she was a Resident Revenue Advisor for the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Technical Assistance (OTA), where she led reform projects in Ukraine, Moldova, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ecuador, supporting improvements in revenue collection, taxpayer database integrity, and fiscal transparency.
Julie Rushin previously held multiple senior executive roles at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), culminating in her appointment as Deputy Chief Information Officer (2010–2013), where she led a $2B IT operation supporting over 142 million U.S. taxpayers. Her leadership roles included oversight of major enterprise programs, such as the IRS’s Business Systems Modernization and the Economic Stimulus Payment distribution program, which successfully delivered $110B to over 122 million Americans in record time.
Over a 38-year career at the IRS, including 13 years in the Senior Executive Service, Ms. Rushin led key strategic, operational, and technology initiatives, including oversight of a $4.5B operating budget, national examination planning, and implementation of data-driven compliance strategies. Her experience spans tax policy, risk management, human capital planning, and digital governance.
She is the recipient of numerous national honors, including the Presidential Rank Award (2008), the Secretary of Treasury Award (2008), the Secretary of Education Award (2009), and multiple IRS Commissioner and COO awards for leadership and innovation.
Ms. Rushin holds a BS in Accounting from the University of Texas at Dallas and an MBA with Highest Honors from Webster University. She completed executive education at the MIT Sloan School of Management.
She is proficient in English and has worked extensively with international counterparts in multi-lingual environments.
New York: Read the latest publication with Asia Society of our International Advisory Board member, Ambassador Pierre Andrieu on China-Russia Relations since the Start of the War in Ukraine.
In his August 20, 2025 Asia Society report “China-Russia Relations Since the Start of the War in Ukraine,” our International Advisory Board Member, Ambassador Pierre Andrieu, Senior Fellow at Asia Society Policy Institute’s Center for China Analysis, scrutinizes how Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has accelerated Sino-Russian cooperation -particularly through the rapid deepening of trade, sanctions circumvention, and the poignant asymmetry of the relationship despite the “no-limits” rhetoric that preceded the conflict.
China-Russia Relations Since the Start of the War in Ukraine – August 20, 2026
Doha: Watch our International Advisory Board Member, Dr. John A. Pennell, commenting to Al Jazeera on the Alaska Summit
Princeton University & Modern War Institute At West Point: Dr. Mariya Heletiy Publishes “The Balkans Model and Conditions for Peace in Ukraine” In the Irregular Warfare Initiative
We are proud to share the latest contribution from Dr. Mariya Heletyi, whose new article has been published by the Irregular Warfare Initiative, a joint project of Princeton University’s Empirical Studies of Conflict and the Modern War Institute at West Point.
In “The Balkans Model and Conditions for Peace in Ukraine,” Dr. Heletiy draws on the experience of the Balkan conflicts to analyze the irregular warfare nature of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and what it means for peace-building. Her analysis offers a sobering but necessary perspective: that peace in Ukraine cannot be built on traditional negotiations alone.
Using the backdrop of Russia’s repeated violations of ceasefire agreements -most recently its broken “Easter truce”- Dr. Heletiy argues that today’s hybrid conflicts require more than diplomatic handshakes. The war in Ukraine spans far beyond the battlefield, touching diplomatic, informational, economic, humanitarian, and military fronts. As she points out, ceasefires in irregular conflicts often serve less as a path to peace and more as a pause for regrouping and rearming.
Drawing lessons from the Balkans, Dr. Heletiy proposes that irregular warfare tools -such as economic pressure, information campaigns, and unconventional tactics- must be part of any comprehensive strategy for sustainable peace. Her article warns against the false comfort of conventional approaches that do not account for the ideological drivers, asymmetries, and non-state actors that continue to shape today’s conflicts.
We encourage everyone interested in peace and security in Ukraine and beyond to read Dr. Heletiy’s full piece, which brings deep insight and strategic clarity to one of the most pressing issues of our time.
Check out Maksym Beznnosiuk’s latest publications and media appearances
The Kremlin’s Drone War Has Gone Strategic: Ukraine Must Brace Itself for an Onslaught – August 5, 2026
The Kremlin’s Drone War Is Now a War on Ukraine’s Resilience – July 26, 2025
Russia’s Drones Campaign Part of Its Hybrid Warfare Strategy – June 26, 2025
G7 NB: Kremlin’s Hectic Summer Offensive Preparation and Looming Humanitarian Crisis – June 16, 2025
Negotiating Under Fire: The Kremlin’s Offensive Diplomacy – June 1, 2025
Istanbul Deception: Kremlin’s Peace Talks’ Trap – What West Must Do About It – May 20, 2025
Why the Kremlin’s Peace Narrative Is Strategic Deception – May 12, 2025
FAQs
What is the focus of Ukraine Foundation’s work?
Ukraine Foundation is an independent, mission-driven research and impact organization dedicated to advancing peace, resilience, and innovation in Ukraine. Our work combines rigorous policy research with practical initiatives that strengthen Ukraine’s international partnerships, support innovation and technology, and promote cultural resilience amid the ongoing war.
How does the Foundation turn research into impact?
We believe research should lead to real-world change. Our policy programs —Ukraine in Europe, China in Ukraine, and Ukraine in the Global South— produce insights that shape international dialogue and policy. At the same time, our impact initiatives foster cooperation between governments, businesses, academia, and civil society, ensuring that ideas translate into action for Ukraine’s security, prosperity, and influence.
How can individuals and organizations engage with the Foundation?
Engagement is central to our mission. Partners, experts, and supporters can collaborate through joint research projects, public events, and strategic initiatives in innovation and culture. We also welcome contributions to our programs that amplify Ukraine’s voice globally and strengthen its resilience at home.
How can I support Ukraine Foundation?
You can support our mission by contributing financially, partnering on research or impact projects, or amplifying our work through your professional networks. Every contribution -whether funding, expertise, or visibility- helps us strengthen Ukraine’s resilience and global partnerships.
Does Ukraine Foundation accept volunteers or research fellows?
Yes. We welcome dedicated professionals, researchers, and students who want to contribute to our policy and impact agenda. Opportunities range from short-term projects and fellowships to longer-term engagement with our programs and initiatives.
How can organizations collaborate with the Foundation?
We actively partner with think tanks, universities, governments, businesses, and NGOs to co-develop research, host events, and implement projects that drive meaningful change. Organizations interested in collaboration can reach out to us directly to explore tailored partnerships.
