About Jim Murphy

What’s your role at NARA and what do you find most rewarding about it?
I currently serve as the Executive Director and CEO of NARA. I enjoy working with a professional team of our staff and supporting their work in serving the regulatory workforce.

In one sentence, explain NARA’s mission to someone outside the industry?
As the professional home for regulators, NARA supports licensing professionals and the development and implementation of balanced rules and regulations to ensure the health safety of those in regulated settings.

How long have you been with NARA?
My involvement with NARA has certainly evolved. I began as a presenter and exhibitor at NARA's Annual Licensing Seminars, and then was recruited to join a number of NARA committees. including the Administration & By-Laws, and Professional Development committees. I later joined the board and served as President-Elect. Since January 2017 I have served as the Executive Director and CEO.

What’s your favorite part of your job?
I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to support and engage with such a diverse group of professionals throughout the field. This includes the ongoing development of NARA and our services to advance the field of licensing and regulation.

If you could trade jobs with anyone at NARA for a day, whose role would you want to try and why?
This is a difficult question, as I have had to step in and do many of the roles within NARA. It is because of those experiences that I deeply respect the incredible work of all of our staff and how they each have taken their roles and departments to new levels.

What’s the most common misconception people have about the regulatory world?
That licensing is the enemy and that the function of these processes is to be punitive. Licensing and providers need to be partners in ensuring a healthy and safe environment, as well as services and care, in regulated settings. Having also been on the provider side, I know the benefits of having positive relationships with licensing.

When you’re not keeping things compliant, what’s your favorite way to unwind or recharge?
I enjoy getting my miles in and the fresh air that comes with that activity. I also enjoy time with my wife, children and grandchildren.

What’s the most memorable moment you’ve had working at NARA so far?
My most memorable moment at NARA has been the hiring of each of our staff and building the incredible team we have put together to serve our members and the field as a whole.

What’s a “fun fact” about you that no one would guess just by looking at your regulatory resume?
Back just a few years ago, in my younger days, I had the opportunity while working as a youth in the YMCA system, of playing the role of Biggelo the Bear. This was a fitness bear that traveled around the country to different YMCA's promoting family fitness, setting up in the mall on a stage and having children and parents join in doing fitness together.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? 
A few that come to mind include:

• "If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters." ~Alan K. Simpson
• Treat others how you would like to be treated.
• Work each day to be the best version of yourself.
• Talk less and listen more.

Any other photos you want to share: