At a glance, it appears the Superior Health Foundation hit personnel gold in its search for a successor to outgoing executive director Jim LaJoie.

LaJoie, who has led the organization for the past dozen years, announced he would retire in May.

His successor is Megan Murphy, a downstate fundraiser who has ties to the Upper Peninsula.

Sara Giles, president of the Superior Health Foundation board of directors, said this: “Megan has an incredible vision and strategy to extend the foundation’s reach to all areas of the Upper Peninsula. Her creativity, drive and familiarity with the U.P. will help her succeed for years to come.”

According to a SHF press release, Murphy comes to the local foundation after duty as director for Community Health and Capacity Building at the Michigan Health Endowment Fund where she played a pivotal role in the development of a $6.5 million grant-making and nonprofit support program.

The press release notes Murphy’s role with the Michigan Health Endowment Fund started in 2016, where she started as the grants manager.

Two years later, she transitioned to a role as a program officer for the fund’s Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle program. She has also held other roles in nonprofit organizations before her time with the endowment fund.

Murphy earned a bachelor of arts in anthropology and international relations from Grand Valley State University and a master of public administration from Western Michigan University.

She was raised in Ironwood and currently resides in Pinckney.

“As someone who grew up in the U.P. and spent several years working on health issues in the region at a distance, this is like a homecoming for me,” Murphy said.

We take great pleasure in welcoming Murphy to the Upper Peninsula, Superiorland and and the greater Marquette area.