Treasurer
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Jim Murphy's journey as Treasurer of the OSB board is more than just a professional role -- it's a deeply personal commitment rooted in his family's experience.
Murphy’s family joined the OSB family in 2010 after his daughter Haley, born with aniridia, began receiving at-home services. Haley's growth from preschool to seventh grade was such a compelling testament to the exceptional care provided by OSB's staff that Murphy decided to use his experience as a certified public accountant and Chief Financial Officer with a private equity firm to lead fundraising efforts for the school.
“The staff here is really special and goes beyond the child’s disability and finds the child’s ability,” he says.
In the 15 years since Murphy's involvement with OSB has been multifaceted. An avid runner, he has organized several annual fundraising events. The Aniridia 5K and 1 Mile Family Walk he launched designated OSB as the beneficiary of all proceeds.
He is also actively involved in organizing the GFN Philly Annual Golf Outing, which has collectively raised over $50,000 for OSB and other nonprofits. Despite his busy schedule, Murphy finds time for personal passions, including running and traveling with his wife Erica and their two daughters.
“I’m a proud girl dad,” he says.
That commitment caught the attention of the board, and he was asked to join in 2016. Later he assumed the chairmanship of the audit and budget committee, eventually becoming Board Treasurer in 2020.
His background as a private equity CFO has provided a wealth of financial expertise to that position. “My career gives me the building blocks I need [to serve as treasurer],” he says.
Coupled with his experience as an OSB parent and fundraiser, Murphy has the ultimate tool kit to serve as Board Treasurer and enrich the Board's discussions and decisions. Although not technically the official parent representative on the board, he provides an invaluable "inside scoop" into the school and its programs as an additional OSB parent on the board, offering support and evaluation from that vantage point as well.
Multiple parental voices are essential, he says. “The board always welcomes a parent perspective.”
Particularly one who has watched the transformative impact OSB’s methods and culture can have for students with disabilities. And who has evolved, in 15 years, from an impressed parent of one student to a tireless advocate for the entire OSB student body.
“They’re given skills and becoming prepared for life,’ he says. ``We are shifting perspectives of people with disabilities.”
