Team - J Murphy and Associates

Molly Brenton

Events & Communications Specialist

Molly graduated from Goucher College with a bachelor’s in Media and Communication Studies and the Technological University Dublin with a Master’s in Public Affairs and Political Communications. Molly is passionate about social justice and advocacy work, so when she moved to Minneapolis in 2022 she knew she wanted to become more involved in the incredible work being done in the local nonprofit sector. In her free time Molly loves to travel and play music, as well as explore the many beautiful outdoor activities Minnesota has to offer!

What are some of your favorite summertime hobbies?

Camping up north & doing open water swims in the lakes after work

Clio Cullison

Project Manager: Events, Communications, & Individual Giving

Clio is a lifelong Minneapolis resident and one of the city’s biggest fans! She left Minnesota briefly to attend Drake University and graduated with a degree in Printmaking and Rhetoric, Media & Social Change. She has worked previously in community organizing, local elections, and reproductive justice. Outside of work you can find her enjoying one of her many hobbies such as reading, trying new restaurants, or vintage shopping.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

Megan Dillinger

Grants & Communications Writer

Since her time at Xavier University, Megan has enjoyed working for mission-driven organizations across various industries, including: children’s health and therapy services; healthy, sustainable and low-income housing; and animal rescue. She has worn many hats throughout her time working at non-profits and is excited to be back in a communications role. When not in the office, you can find her and her dog somewhere outdoors, no matter the season!

What is your favorite ice-cream flavor?

Kelley Kozulla

Operations & Office Manager

Kelley started at JMA as a part-time Development Coordinator while attending the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Since then, she has worked her way into Operations, Human Resources, and Office Management roles. She graduated from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities with a degree in Economics and minor in Business Management, and one day would like to receive her MBA. On her days off from JMA, she enjoys travelling, going to new restaurants, playing with her dogs Charlie & Winston, and spending time with family and friends.

What is your favorite ice-cream flavor?

Strawberry Cheesecake

Emma Lee

Grants & Communications Writer

Emma is a recent graduate from Bethel University with a degree in Journalism. She grew up in northern Minnesota, but college led her to the Twin Cities where she enjoys going swing dancing, eating Thai curry and going on late night Target runs with her friends.

What is your favorite ice-cream flavor?

Chocolate Peanut Butter

Cassidy Mickelson

Development Manager, Grants - Institutional, Gov’t, and Small Family Foundations

Cassidy graduated from St. Norbert College with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and SUNY Oneonta with a Master’s Degree in Museum Studies. Before working at JMA, Cassidy worked in the non-profit, local government, and museum sectors doing a variety of mission-driven roles including fundraising, community outreach, and event planning. Outside the office, she enjoys hiking, reading, and exploring new places with her partner and their dog, Benji.

What is your favorite ice-cream flavor?

Craig murphy

Chief Financial Officer

Craig Murphy, graduate of Mankato State University, with honors, is a skilled financial expert with over 30 years of experience working at RSM US LLC (formerly McGladery, LLC) where he became a Managing Partner of the Upper Midwest Financial Institutions practice, from which he retired in September of 2017. His specialties include Audit related issues, bookkeeping, general accounting matters and mergers and acquisitions advice. Craig assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer at JMA in 2006. Craig is best able to work with clients on their ongoing accounting questions and issues and related financial management needs. When not at work Craig enjoys his wife’s home cooked meals (Craig also enjoys cooking) and long walks with his wife and their three dogs Reagan, Stella and Millie, cheering on the Minnesota Vikings and traveling, including trips to Las Vegas and sunny beaches.Craig Murphy, graduate of Mankato State University, with honors, is a skilled financial expert with over 30 years of experience working at RSM US LLC (formerly McGladery, LLC) where he became a Managing Partner of the Upper Midwest Financial Institutions practice, from which he retired in September of 2017. His specialties include Audit related issues, bookkeeping, general accounting matters and mergers and acquisitions advice. Craig assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer at JMA in 2006. Craig is best able to work with clients on their ongoing accounting questions and issues and related financial management needs. When not at work Craig enjoys his wife’s home cooked meals (Craig also enjoys cooking) and long walks with his wife and their three dogs Reagan, Stella and Millie, cheering on the Minnesota Vikings and traveling, including trips to Las Vegas and sunny beaches.

What is your favorite ice-cream flavor?

Julie Murphy

President

A graduate of the University of Minnesota, Julie has more than 20 years of experience functioning as an Advancement and Development Director for various agencies including Minnesota Visiting Nurse Agency (MVNA), the Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA) and Tubman Family Alliance. These positions, along with her roles in the National Retiree Volunteer Council and Twin Cities Public Television, have helped Julie hone her expertise in strategic marketing and communications planning, event management and fundraising. Julie also has a strong background in Volunteer Leadership and Board Development, her professional achievements include launching the MVNA’s Flu Shot Program with the Health Fair 11 and UCARE to produce one of the nation’s most successful public flu shot campaigns to date, raising more than $500,000 annually from 2002-2005 for “An Evening Among Stars,” MEDA’s annual gala which became a “Business Journal Top 25,” and launching her own business, J. Murphy & Associates, in 2005. Julie also has over 20 years of experience with CRM and fundraising softwares and platforms including Raiser’s Edge, eTapestry, Goldmine, Little Green Light, Donor Advisors, Salesforce, Ewave and more. When she isn’t busy running JMA, Julie enjoys resting, throwing dinner parties, cooking, and being with her family. She also loves watching crocuses bloom in the spring, taking vacations to Florida or Belize, and cheering for the Vikings.

What are some of your favorite summertime hobbies?

Gardening

Tori Nelson

Development Coordinator

Tori is a recent graduate from South Dakota State University with degrees in Exercise Science & Community and Public Health. During her time at SDSU, Tori was a member of the women’s basketball team, as well as a co-founder of her own nonprofit organization. This unique background provided her with valuable experiences related to nonprofit management, community engagement, fundraising, and event planning. Outside of the office, Tori enjoys reading, traveling, and watching sports!

What is your favorite summertime beverage?

Valerie Nguyen

Grants & Communications writer

Valerie graduated from the University of Minnesota with a B.S. in psychology and minors in creative writing and neuroscience. Before joining JMA, she worked in research labs studying neurofeedback in suicidal adolescents, and Alzheimer’s disease models. In her free time, Valerie likes to write poetry and walk around listening to music. Her creative works are published by various nonprofit organizations, and it inspired her to work with nonprofits to shine light on under-represented communities.

What is your favorite ice-cream flavor?

Cherry Garcia

Bailey Norcross

Senior Graphic Designer & Web/Social Media Coordinator

As a graduate from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design, Bailey brings experience in customer service, graphic design, branding, and illustration. She develops creative and engaging digital and print designs for clients. These experiences contribute to her interest for designing a variety of work and supporting nonprofits. On her days off, Bailey enjoys walking her dog, exploring the Twin Cities, and attending sporting events.

What is your favorite ice-cream flavor?

Butter Pecan

Jennifer Oie

Senior Grant Writer

Jennifer graduated from Texas Lutheran University with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Studies and holds a master’s degree from American University in International Peace and Conflict Resolution. During her master’s program, she spent the summer interning for a nonprofit in South Africa that helped other organizations with grantmaking and grant application practices. Through this experience, Jennifer decided to work in the nonprofit field, where she has helped to start a small grant-making program at a nonprofit in St. Paul, written grants, led project evaluation and development teams, and worked as a nonprofit administrator. Outside of the office, Jennifer enjoys reading, quilting, running, and spending time with her husband and dog.

What is your favorite ice-cream flavor?

Bev Ordahl

Fundraising & Events Manager

A graduate of Minnesota State University – Mankato, Bev brings over 15 years of management, marketing and visual merchandising experience to the JMA event team. Active in her community, Bev has managed and coordinated numerous Minnesota Youth Athletic baseball tournaments and annual school fundraisers. On her off days, she enjoys reading, watching Minnesota Twins baseball games and going to yoga classes.

What is your favorite ice-cream flavor?

Ben & Jerry’s Pistachio

Sara Sweeney

Grants & Communications Writer

Sara is a dynamic and dedicated professional with more than 8 years of experience in nonprofit work, writing, project coordination, and exceptional customer service. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Coe College and has actively sought professional and personal development opportunities both locally and internationally. Through these experiences, Sara has cultivated strong, impactful relationships with friends, stakeholders, and clients alike. Now, she’s home in Saint Paul, MN where outside of work she loves spending time with loved ones, dining at restaurants, and plain-old hangin’ out.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie

Axey Vang

Grants & Communications Writer

Axey holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a master’s in business administration with a concentration in Project Management from Lawrence Technological University (LTU), where she excelled as a student-athlete on the women’s lacrosse team. Outside of work, she enjoys coaching lacrosse, cooking, baking, taking walks, and spending quality time with her loved ones.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

Mint cookies and cream

Eliza Waage

Project Manager: Events, Communications, & Individual Giving

Eliza is a graduate of the University of Iowa, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Health and certificate in Non-profit Leadership and Philanthropy. Prior to JMA, Eliza worked in community relations for the Iowa Wild (AHL) and completed young adult social media research for the University of Iowa College of Public Health. In her free time, Eliza likes to attend sporting events, try new recipes, play board/ card games, and connect with family.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

Chocolate Covered Cherry