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

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?

Isabelle Herlofsky

Development Specialist: Events, Communications, Database

Isabelle is a recent graduate from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Journalism and Digital Media Studies. She brings her passion for event planning and non-profit work to the JMA team. Isabelle is a native to Northeast Minneapolis and in her spare time she likes cooking, watching sports and spending time with family.

What is your favorite ice-cream flavor?

Blueberry Cheesecake

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

Michaela Krawec

Project Manager: Grants & Development

Michaela graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a degree in Gender and Women’s Studies and with a certificate in Nonprofit Management. Prior to her time at JMA, she has worked in the nonprofit sector for the past several years. Michaela has experience in communications, grant writing, and direct services. In her free time, she enjoys shopping at vintage stores, paddle boarding on the chain of lakes, and attending concerts.

What are some of your favorite summertime hobbies?

Anything on a lake. Paddle boarding, swimming, kayaking, and beach days are my favorite.

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

Karissa Lopez

Project Manager: Grants & Communications

A recent graduate from Seattle University with a degree in Journalism and Theology, Karissa brings her passion for storytelling and non-profit work to the JMA team. During her time in Seattle, she worked with several non-profits, organizing volunteer events and working as a communication consultant for Bloedel Reserve. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, cross stitching and reading.

What is your favorite ice-cream flavor?

Raspberry Chocolate Chip

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

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

Melinda Plath

Development Coordinator: Administration & Database

Melinda is a recent graduate from the University of Minnesota, Duluth with a degree in Marketing. She moved to St. Paul in 2021 and has loved getting to know this beautiful area of Minnesota. Melinda has a passion for connecting people through storytelling & outreach, which has led her to the non-profit sector. She enjoys the Mississippi River Walk and spending time with her family, friends, and puppy, Linus.

What is your favorite summertime tradition?

Bonfires

Inora Pradhan

Grants & Research Officer

Inora graduated from Metro State University with a Masters degree in Public and Nonprofit Administration. She has worked with non-profit organizations for over 5 years and has background in working with special needs children, refugee and immigrant populations, homelessness, victims of sexual abuse, and more in various roles. She brings experience in Grant administration and writing, Project Management, and Community engagement into her role and believes in collaborative efforts to make an impact. Outside of the office, she enjoys travelling and exploring new cultures.

What is your favorite summertime beverage?

Bubble Tea