Eileen Murphy, PHD

When Eileen was very young, her family lived in a Bronx house with lead paint. She vividly remembers eating paint chips, a form of pica, which was a common source of lead poisoning for children in that era. After moving to New Jersey, her new home was near a large, wooded drainage area. She spent hours exploring and it was there that her deep fascination with nature truly began. These contrasting moments—the stark reality of environmental harm and the profound joy of natural refuge—provided the dual motivation for her career: protecting both human health and the environment for recreation.

Dr. Eileen Murphy, PhD, has now dedicated a 30-year career to turning rigorous science into lasting policy. She dedicated over two decades to public service, including 21 years at the NJ DEP specializing in emerging contaminants (like PFAS). She extended her impact federally at the U.S. EPA, leading the Toxic Substances Control Act risk management team, and also served as Director of Government Relations at NJ Audubon.

A defining characteristic of Dr. Murphy's leadership is her proven ability to build critical, cross-sector partnerships. Prior to the MWA, she spent ten years at Rutgers University coordinating research proposals, forging strategic relationships, and securing funding.

Eileen’s vast and diverse background ensures the MWA is well equipped for future growth and complex, data-driven projects. Eileen is excited to guide the Association into its next era, delivering tangible results for clean water based on collaboration and deep scientific understanding.