When Charles (Chuck) Murphy managed grocery stores for several chains in western New York and central Pennsylvania during the 1970s, and ’80s, he saw just how important it was to make sure the needs of employees were being met.
“It’s always been about the people. Employee benefits and the compensation arena are at the core,” he says. “I saw a need that was unmet and wanted to find out how to do those things better. I wanted to take what I learned from the grocery business to the next level.”
As he took undergraduate courses at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania he was particularly struck by courses he took on organized labor and organization development. He went on to attain his bachelor’s degree in business administration and MBA from Bloomsburg.
Murphy has worked in the healthcare industry since 1987 in human resources leadership positions, most recently as the University’s associate vice president for human resources.
On Feb. 2, he retires from the position, which he has held since 2001.
“Chuck has been an untiring advocate for University employees,” says Ron Paprocki, senior vice president for administration and finance and the University’s chief financial officer. A national search for Murphy’s successor is in the final stages, Paprocki says.
Murphy joined the University staff in 1998 as director of the Medical Center’s Office of Human Resources—a role he served in for two years before becoming director of University Human Resources. He became associate vice president of the department in 2001, managing human resources operations at the University.
Murphy says one of the most challenging—and rewarding aspects of his job has been working collaboratively with faculty and staff at both the Medical Center and on the River Campus.
He says the support from President Joel Seligman, Ron Paprocki, and Medical Center leaders such as Jay Stein, Peter Robinson, and Steve Goldstein was “incredibly important” to allowing him to successfully “work on both sides of the street.”
Murphy has served as chief spokesman and lead negotiator on labor relations for 17 years, working with SEIU/1199 and Operating Engineers (IUOE). Among his other achievements, he developed executive compensation programs and worked with leaders from compensation, benefits, and HRMS to create total compensation statements for employees.
Also under his tenure, the department introduced self-insurance to the University, redesigned health plans and introduced HSA savings accounts, introduced the concept of paid time off at the Medical Center, developed a call center to answer human resources and benefits questions, implemented PeopleSoft as the University’s human resources and payroll system, among other accomplishments.
“Working for Chuck has been an honor—an experience I will truly treasure,” says Michele Hill, director of University benefits, “He has supported me and is always willing to listen.”
In addition to his leadership in ensuring the University offers a comprehensive benefits program to faculty and staff, Hill says he was instrumental in spearheading the University’s wellness initiative, something he believes is important for employees.
Larry Ansini, director of University compensation, says Murphy kept the “human” in human resources.
“He believed that, at the end of the day, we have to remember that our work is about people. They are the key to success for the University.”
Ansini, who roasted Murphy at his retirement dinner, says that Murphy is also known for being compassionate and friendly to his colleagues and staff—easily recalling their kids’ names or favorite sports team.
“I’m losing a great ally, friend, and mentor in this business,” he adds.
After 17 years at the University, Murphy says his priority is still the people.
“I’ll miss the relationships and the people that I worked with,” he says. “It was a great privilege to work with super people, including the Human Resources directors and the health system leaders who have supported me throughout.”
Murphy looks forward to spending more time with his family—traveling with his wife, Kathleen, and visiting more often his children and grandchildren, especially the granddaughters who recently relocated to the midwest.