Meet Katherine Murphy | Nonprofit CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katherine Murphy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katherine, what is the most important factor behind your success?

This January, my affiliate, NAMI Palm Beach County, celebrated our 41st anniversary. Resilience is core to my success and the success of the agency.

NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health nonprofit, and is dedicated to building better lives for those impacted by mental health conditions. We are able to adapt and respond to the needs of our members and the greater mental health community because we incorporate peers and family members into every aspect of the agency. We stay current with the issues that impact those we serve.

Every day I start fresh and recognize the opportunities ahead.

Do you have a favorite quote or affirmation? What does it mean to you / what do you like about it?

“We will never give up hope.”

As one of NAMI’s Principles of Support, this simple phrase guides me, the team, and those we support through any challenge we may face. I know that no matter how tough things feel, things can, and will, get better and there is always hope.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I did not set out to become the director of a nonprofit. I’ve always enjoyed the programmatic aspects of the work, but I was afforded the opportunity to learn and develop in my career. I just celebrated my 8th anniversary at NAMI Palm Beach County, and in January 2023 I was promoted to CEO. I appreciate working for an organization and leadership that recognizes the potential in all employees.

I owe my success to being given chances, and to always embracing a growth mindset. I genuinely love working, it gives me great satisfaction and pride to give my all every day. I am curious and excited to learn. I am self-aware of my weaknesses and seek out seminars and courses to grow. I know that I always need to improve and I’m willing to evolve.

Additionally, my success is due to developing relationships with people who know more than me. I am eager to partner with others in the community to achieve our mission. Beyond Palm Beach County, my NAMI Florida family has embraced me and supports my growth. The NAMI alliance is strong and extends throughout the country with over 600 affiliates. There is always someone willing to lend their wisdom and guidance, as we face many of the same struggles and opportunities.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

My itinerary would include some old Florida charm, coupled with great art, nature, food, and drinks.

West Palm Beach
We would get started on Friday night with Art After Dark at the Norton Museum of Art. Then we will enjoy a show at the Kravis Center followed by snacks at RH Rooftop overlooking downtown West Palm Beach.

Palm Beach
In the morning we will take a scenic sunrise bike ride on the Lake Trail.
We’ll go to Celis Produce in Royal Poinciana Plaza for one of their loaded smoothies.
Then we’ll head over to the Flagler Museum and check out the current exhibit and have tea in the cafe, enjoying the atrium lighting.
Then we’ll ride over to the Society for the Four Arts and wander through the sculpture garden and library.
For dinner we’ll go to La Goulue and enjoy the flaming crepe Suzette.

North
We will start with a seasonal latte at Pumphouse and then head to Jonathan Dickinson State Park to kayak along the river and take the boat tour to Trapper Nelson’s.
We’ll have lunch at Lucky Shuck and then visit the Jupiter lighthouse.

And then we will get creative at Craft Haus and paint some pottery.

We’ll have dinner at Stage, sampling all of the chutneys.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Cheryl Checkers is the President of the Board of Directors at NAMI Palm Beach County. She has been a steadfast supporter of the NAMI mission, and of my career growth and success.

When I’m faced with difficult situations she is always by my side. She reminds me that following the north star of our mission will steer us on the right path. I’m incredibly lucky to have a caring and engaged board; it makes all the difference.

Website: namipbc.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/namipbc

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/namipbc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/namipbc

Image Credit:

My headshot was by Kevin Lawson at KVL Media Studio