Philadelphia's search for a new Risk Manager has come to a close, and it turns out they didn't have to look very far. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker has appointed Sharolyn Murphy, a tested and proven entity within the ranks of the city's Law Department, as the new permanent Risk Manager. Murphy has been filling the role on an interim basis since May 2024, following the retirement of Barry Scott who held the position for three decades, according to the City of Philadelphia announcement.
Murphy brings to the table an impressive resume, with experience that includes serving as Risk Management Counsel and Employee Disability Manager. "Our nationwide search proved that the best candidate for the job was right in our backyard, with a seasoned public servant whose work will mitigate risk for the city and by extension for its citizens," Mayor Parker stated in a statement released by the City of Philadelphia's official website.
Let's talk credentials. Murphy isn't just bringing years of experience to the table; she's packing a history of accolades, too. Notably, in 2021, she was part of a team that snagged a Teddy Award for achievements in workers' compensation and preventative measures—recognition doled out by the risk and insurance industry highlighting exceptional performance.
As the head of the city's Office of Risk Wearing many hats, Murphy will be managing the city's insurance and assessing various other risk exposure issues across the urban landscape. It's a hefty charge, and one that encompasses overseeing claims, workers’ compensation, service-connected disabilities, and implementing safety and loss prevention programs.
Murphy's tasks will be essential in maintaining the safety of Philadelphians, a goal she's both knowledgeable about and committed to achieving. Building upon the legacy of her predecessor, Murphy aims to continue successful initiatives while integrating her own fresh ideas and innovative approaches to risk management.
The risk associated with a city as large as Philadelphia encompasses a vast array of factors, requiring a keen eye and a strategic mind to navigate. With the torch now officially passed, Sharolyn Murphy steps into her permanent role, ready to safeguard the city and its inhabitants from the many unseen risks that come with urban life.
