Dan Murphy has been appointed executive director of the Union of the Municipalities of New Brunswick (UMNB). The non-profit organization advances the interests of municipalities to both the federal and provincial governments. UMNB represents 61 villages, towns, and cities, which make up more than one third of the province’s population.
In 2011–12, Murphy was a member of the inaugural class of the Clayton H. Riddell Graduate Program in Political Management at Carleton University. After graduating with a master’s degree in political management, he worked for the Liberal party in New Brunswick. He helped organize the leadership campaign for Brian Gallant, who became premier. Murphy then managed Gallant’s byelection campaign and was appointed executive director of the New Brunswick Liberal Association. Most recently, he served as executive assistant to federal Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc.
As UMNB’s executive director, Murphy is responsible for leading the organization’s day-to-day activities. He oversees member services, the development of policy proposals, and the organization’s advocacy initiatives.
According to Murphy, the Riddell program provided the foundation for his career. He had already worked in politics, but his experience at Carleton helped him upgrade his skills and knowledge. “It took me from the minor leagues to the major leagues,” Murphy said. “The Riddell program provides knowledge and networking opportunities that are second to none. It really gave me an edge in my career”