Mike Murphy, City of Charlottesville
Mike Murphy, Director of Human Services, City of Charlottesville
Where were you born (and raised, if different)?
I was born in Bradford, Pennsylvania, but grew up in Delaware.
When and why did you move to the Charlottesville/Albemarle area?
I came to Charlottesville in the Fall of 1988 to attend UVA.
What neighborhood do you live in now?
I live in the Carrsbrook neighborhood.
Family (spouse, kids, etc.)?
I am married with a 7-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son.
What is your alma mater and when did you graduate?
I am a Double Hoo, graduating from UVA in 1992 and 1995.
What were you doing before you came to work for the City?
I was a student.
Your job title is Director of Human Services – what, in your own words, would you say you do?
The job has two parts. The first part is to make sure we deliver really good services to kids and families through the programs at Community Attention. The second part is to act as a liaison to advance the work of a variety of local and State human service planning organizations. Also, to ensure the investments made by City Council in human service organizations meet their vision, values and expected outcomes.
What is the best part of your job? The most difficult part?
I get to help people and assist in solving community problems.
How does your job most directly impact the average person?
If a child or family benefits from the services at Community Attention, or if a system in our community provides better access or assistance because of our efforts.
What is the most interesting project or work experience that you’ve had while with the City?
There are really so many in the past 19 years, but I would say what I’m most excited about working on right now is impacting homelessness, eliminating racial disparities, improving adult prisoner reentry and helping make connections for kids in foster care.
What is a little-known fact about you?
I do a lot of work in the community and do quite a bit of public speaking, but I’m really more of an introvert.