Julie Ling has been CEO of the European Association for Palliative Care since January 2015. The EAPC is the leading palliative care organization in Europe representing 57 member associations from thirty-two countries across Europe and with individual members from 48 countries globally. Originally a nurse, Julie has worked in palliative care for the last twenty-five years in both adult and children's palliative care. She has held a variety of posts in clinical care, management, research, policy and the voluntary sector. Julie is also a World Hospice and Palliative Care Alliance board member and has written and published widely. She is a member of the editorial board of the International Journal of Palliative Nursing. Julie has successfully completed a Health Research Board funded Ph.D. by research exploring the respite needs and experiences of parents caring for a child with a life-limiting condition.