Evelyn Murphy

Evelyn Murphy is an American economist, politician, and advocate known for her pioneering role in Massachusetts government and her national work on wage equity. She served as the first woman elected to statewide constitutional office in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, holding the position of Lieutenant Governor from 1987 to 1991 under Governor Michael Dukakis. Her career has spanned public service, corporate leadership, and extensive advocacy focused on eliminating wage discrimination against women.

Early life and education

Evelyn Murphy was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and developed an early interest in economics and public policy. She pursued her undergraduate education at Duke University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. She then attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, receiving a Master of Arts in economics. Murphy continued her academic training at Harvard University, where she was awarded a Ph.D. in economics, completing a dissertation that examined regional economic development. Her academic background provided a strong foundation for her subsequent career in government and advocacy, particularly in analyzing labor markets and fiscal policy.

Political career

Murphy's political career began in the administration of Governor Michael Dukakis, who appointed her as the first Secretary of Environmental Affairs for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1975. In this role, she oversaw the newly consolidated executive office and helped shape early environmental regulations. After an unsuccessful bid for the Democratic nomination for governor in 1986, she was elected as Lieutenant Governor in 1987, succeeding John Kerry. During her tenure, she chaired the Governor's Council on Economic Growth and Technology and focused on issues of economic development, health care cost containment, and education reform. She was a key figure in the Dukakis administration and sought the governorship again in 1990 but did not secure the party's nomination.

Advocacy and later work

Following her time in elected office, Murphy shifted her focus to advocacy and corporate consulting, becoming a prominent national voice on pay equity. She founded the WAGE Project, Inc. (Women Are Getting Even), a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating the wage gap between women and men. She co-authored the book Getting Even: Why Women Don't Get Paid Like Men—and What to Do About It. Murphy also served as a director on the boards of several major corporations, including BJ's Wholesale Club and The Century Council, and held a vice presidency at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. She has been a frequent speaker at events for organizations like the American Bar Association and the National Association of Women Business Owners.

Personal life

Evelyn Murphy married Michael R. Murphy, a lawyer, in 1963. The couple has two children and has maintained a residence in Boston, Massachusetts. She has been active in various civic and community organizations throughout her life, balancing her professional commitments with family responsibilities. Her personal experiences with discrimination in the workplace have been cited as a motivating factor in her advocacy work.

Legacy and honors

Evelyn Murphy's legacy is defined by her trailblazing political achievements and her sustained advocacy for economic justice for women. As the first woman elected to statewide constitutional office in Massachusetts, she paved the way for future leaders like Jane Swift and Maura Healey. Her work with the WAGE Project, Inc. has influenced corporate policies and legislative discussions on equal pay for equal work. She has received numerous honors, including the Pinnacle Award from the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and an honorary doctorate from Regis College. Her papers are archived at the University of Massachusetts Boston, contributing to the historical record on women in American politics.

Category:1940 births Category:Living people Category:Lieutenant Governors of Massachusetts Category:American women economists Category:Harvard University alumni Category:People from Atlanta Category:Massachusetts Democrats