Julie LaFore

Board President

Familiar with the Northwoods after years of camping with family in Boulder Junction, my introduction to Clearwater in 1984 was as a kitchen girl with Pearl Hove and her famous Sunday Coffee Cake. After immediately falling in love with all aspects of camp, I returned the following year in the kitchen and continued on as a stable girl and a counselor, including roles as Head of the Cape and Head Counselor.

I graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison with a degree in Public Relations but unexpectedly fell in love with business, holding positions with several international companies including Starbucks, where I was was proud to be recognized by CEO and Chairman Howard Schultz for coordinating regional volunteer efforts. My passion for coffee then led me to Italy where I trained in Parma and Milan to launch an authentic Italian café in the shadows of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Today I still share my passion for the kitchen as a product specialist at an Italian food distributor working closely with the in house chef and our sales team representing several national brands. I’m back to the barn as well these days as a riding instructor with Agape Unbridled Hope helping people connect with horses. Each May and at select races throughout the IndyCar season you can find me at the track working with my favorite race team.

A long time family camp attendee with my nieces, Clearwater was foundational to who I am today so I’m thrilled to help ensure Clearwater continues to inspire and impact others for generations to come.