Mike Murphy (Washington politician)
Encyclopedia
Michael J. "Mike" Murphy, an American
politician
, served as the State Treasurer
of Washington from 1996-2008. He is a Democrat.
. He attended St. Edward Seminary
in Kenmore
, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history
from Seattle University
in 1969.
After completing a tour of duty in the military, Murphy began work as a civil servant for the Office of the Washington State Treasurer (OST) in 1972. During his 15 years working for the OST, Murphy's assignments included administrator of the Public Deposit Protection Commission and internal auditor. In 1978, while working full-time for the OST, he completed his Master of Business Administration
from Pacific Lutheran University
.
In 1987, Murphy was appointed to serve as treasurer of Thurston County, the state's eighth-largest county. Later that year, he was elected to that office. He was re-elected in 1990 and 1994. Murphy has also previously served as President of the Western State Treasurers Association.
As State Treasurer, Murphy was one of ten voting members of the Washington State Investment Board, served as chair for the Board's Audit Committee, and was also a member of the Board's Private Markets Committee. He also chaired the State Finance Committee, which oversees the issuance and management of the state's debt. He was also one of twelve people appointed by the governor to the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC).
After serving three four-year terms, Murphy retired the post in 2008, and James McIntire replaced him as Washington State Treasurer.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
politician
Politician
A politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making...
, served as the State Treasurer
State Treasurer
In the state governments of the United States, 49 of the 50 states have the executive position of treasurer. Texas abolished the position of Texas State Treasurer in 1996....
of Washington from 1996-2008. He is a Democrat.
Early career
Murphy is a native of SeattleSeattle, Washington
Seattle is the county seat of King County, Washington. With 608,660 residents as of the 2010 Census, Seattle is the largest city in the Northwestern United States. The Seattle metropolitan area of about 3.4 million inhabitants is the 15th largest metropolitan area in the country...
. He attended St. Edward Seminary
St. Edward Seminary
Saint Edward Seminary was an institution for developing Catholic priests in Washington state, USA. Named for Saint Edward the Confessor and located in the city of Kenmore, it operated for 46 years before closing in 1976. The seminary and most of its grounds now constitute Saint Edward State Park...
in Kenmore
Kenmore, Washington
Kenmore is a city in King County, Washington, United States, along the northernmost shores of Lake Washington...
, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history
History
History is the discovery, collection, organization, and presentation of information about past events. History can also mean the period of time after writing was invented. Scholars who write about history are called historians...
from Seattle University
Seattle University
Seattle University is a Jesuit Catholic university located in the First Hill neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, USA.SU is the largest independent university in the Northwest US, with over 7,500 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs within eight schools, and is one of 28 member...
in 1969.
After completing a tour of duty in the military, Murphy began work as a civil servant for the Office of the Washington State Treasurer (OST) in 1972. During his 15 years working for the OST, Murphy's assignments included administrator of the Public Deposit Protection Commission and internal auditor. In 1978, while working full-time for the OST, he completed his Master of Business Administration
Master of Business Administration
The Master of Business Administration is a :master's degree in business administration, which attracts people from a wide range of academic disciplines. The MBA designation originated in the United States, emerging from the late 19th century as the country industrialized and companies sought out...
from Pacific Lutheran University
Pacific Lutheran University
Pacific Lutheran University is located in Parkland, a suburb of Tacoma, Washington. In September 2009, PLU had a student population of 3,582 and approximately 280 full-time faculty...
.
In 1987, Murphy was appointed to serve as treasurer of Thurston County, the state's eighth-largest county. Later that year, he was elected to that office. He was re-elected in 1990 and 1994. Murphy has also previously served as President of the Western State Treasurers Association.
Washington State Treasurer
In 1996, Murphy ran for State Treasurer. He won that election, as well as his races for re-election in 2000 and 2004. In 2004, Murphy received 60% of the vote, followed by Republican Oscar S. Lewis who received 36%.As State Treasurer, Murphy was one of ten voting members of the Washington State Investment Board, served as chair for the Board's Audit Committee, and was also a member of the Board's Private Markets Committee. He also chaired the State Finance Committee, which oversees the issuance and management of the state's debt. He was also one of twelve people appointed by the governor to the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC).
After serving three four-year terms, Murphy retired the post in 2008, and James McIntire replaced him as Washington State Treasurer.
Personal life
Murphy is the eldest son of a family of 11 children. Murphy and his wife, Teri Smith Murphy, live in Olympia on their sailboat.See also
- Washington State Executive elections, 2004Washington State Executive elections, 2004Washington has 9 Executive seats, all elected at large. In 2004, all 9 positions were up for reelection.-Governor:After a machine and manual recount, Christine Gregoire won the election by 133 votes.-Lt...
- Washington State Executive elections, 2008Washington State Executive elections, 2008Washington has 9 Executive seats, all elected at large. In 2008, all 9 positions were up for reelection.-Governor:-Lt. Governor:Brad Owen was the incumbent and has held this position since 1996.-Secretary of State:...