ASSE Recalls Dedication, Accomplishments of Former Executive Director Judy Neel Murphy

Murphy served as executive director of ASSE from 1980–1998. She was the first female ASSE executive director. The Des Plaines, Ill.-based ASSE was founded in 1911 and has more than 32,000 occupational safety, health and environmental professional members located worldwide working in all industries committed to protecting people, property and the environment.

During Murphy’s tenure, the number of ASSE chapters increased from 99 to more than 125; the annual budget grew from $1.5 million to more than $3 million; and attendance at the annual ASSE Professional Development Conference doubled from 850 in 1980 to 1,545 in 1986. In 1981, Murphy worked with ASSE Board President Donald Eckenfelder, P.E., CSP, on a meeting of SH&E professionals with then Vice President George Bush (senior) on work safety issues and the profession. She also spearheaded ASSE’s 75th anniversary activities in 1986. In 1990, the ASSE Foundation, which advances occupational safety, health and environmental development, research and education by funding scholarships, fellowships, research grants and internships, was founded.

“We are very saddened by the loss of Judy, who spearheaded not only major growth for our safety society for 18 years, but an increase in awareness of the importance of being safe at work. On behalf of our 32,000 members and the ASSE staff, we send our heartfelt condolences to her family,” ASSE President C. Christopher Patton, CSP, said. “She was extremely dedicated, hard working and key to helping us move the profession forward. She will be greatly missed, but her contributions will live on.”