Team - J Murphy and Associates

Bailey Beaderstadt

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 thing about MN winters?

Christmas lights

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 is your favorite thing about MN winters?

EMMA COVER-CARPER

Project Manager: Individual Giving, Communications, & Grants

Emma is a graduate from the University of Northern Iowa with degrees in both English and Communications Studies. Originally from Burlington, Iowa, she moved to the Twin Cities to explore job opportunities and the exciting things the Twin Cities has to offer. She has a passion for the nonprofit sector and has previously worked in program coordination, copywriting, media, and development. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband and two dogs, Peter and Clover, competitive board game nights, and thrifting.

What do you look forward to every winter?

Decorating for Christmas – especially setting up my Christmas village!

Emma Eidsvoog

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 are you looking forward to most this winter?

Spending time with my family over the holidays & eating lots of good food

Isabelle Herlofsky

Development Coordinator: Communications & Events

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 winter activity?

Ice skating

MARLEE JOHNSON-VOLK

Director of Development, Culture, & Creative

MarLee graduated from Colorado State University with degrees in Music and Psychology. She moved to Eau Claire, WI where she joined the nonprofit sector as a program coordinator then as center director at a youth development agency. MarLee is passionate about creating a safe, inclusive community where people can be the best versions of themselves, which drives her interest in supporting nonprofits. In her spare time, MarLee can be found petting her dog, camping, hiking, spending time at the lake, and exploring all the hidden gems the Northwoods have to offer.

What is your favorite winter activity?

Making soup

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 do you look forward to every winter?

Skiing & seeing all of the Christmas lights

Michaela Krawec

Grants & Development Specialist

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 is your favorite winter activity?

Going to holiday markets with friends

Karissa Lopez

Grants & Communications Writer

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 fall activity?

Leaf piles

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 is your favorite winter activity?

Cooking

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 fall activity?

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 thing about MN winters?

Going cross country skiing or walking across frozen lakes

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 do you look forward to every winter?

Going on a warm sunny vacation

Melinda Plath

DATABASE & EVENTS SPECIALIST

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 are you looking forward to most this winter?

Driving around to look at holiday light displays

Inora Pradhan

Project Manager of Grants & Grants Administration

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 are you looking forward to most this winter?

Sledding

Greta Schleif

Grants Manager

Greta graduated from the College of St. Benedict with a degree in Communication and a minor in Psychology. Following her graduation, she moved to Boston for a year to be an AmeriCorps tutor at a high school. After enjoying her time and growth there Greta moved back to the Twin Cities. Prior to joining the JMA team, she worked for a local nonprofit supporting individuals with disabilities and their families. She enjoys being immersed in her community both in her professional and personal life. Outside of the office, Greta enjoys being outdoors on walks, bike rides, or anywhere by the lakes.

What is your favorite winter activity?

Skating on the lakes

Caroline Swinford

Senior Grant Writer

Following her graduation from Whitworth University in 2014, Caroline joined the nonprofit sector in her native state of Colorado as a project manager and social media coordinator. At JMA, Caroline specializes in database management, donor stewardship, and communications. Caroline is an info-tech guru. She thrives in data strategy and management and is a competent user of CRM/fundraising softwares and platforms, including Raiser’s Edge and other Blackbaud products like eTapestry. In her spare time, Caroline makes pilgrimages to the Twin Cities’ independent book stores, attends live storytelling shows and theater, and explores the riverfront on her road bike.

What is your favorite fall activity?

Sieglinde Thetard

PROJECT MANAGER: INDIVIDUAL GIVING, COMMUNICATIONS, & GRANTS

Sieglinde is a graduate of Grinnell College with degrees in History and Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies. She has worked in the non-profit industry in Minnesota, Iowa, Virginia, and Serbia. She brings grant writing, program management, and community engagement experience in non-profit healthcare, food access, youth development, and domestic violence prevention. At JMA, she works across teams to support projects from start to finish, streamline work processes, and manage all the moving parts that come with fundraising and communications.

What is your favorite fall activity?

Brian Wachutka

IT Manager & Web Developer

Brian has worked with technology in educational and business settings his entire career. He brings this experience to his work as IT Support and Web Developer at J. Murphy & Associates. When he’s not troubleshooting tech problems, Brian can be found in his garden, out on a bike ride, or tinkering in his home workshop.

What is something you’re looking forward to this winter?

The Reindeer Run 10K around Lake Harriet

Lauren Woodzicka

Grants & Communications Writer

Lauren is a recent graduate of Lawrence University, with a dual degree in English Literature and Film Studies. Lauren joined the non-profit sector as an AmeriCorps member in her home state of Wisconsin in 2022, and served as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator for the Girl Scouts. In her free time, she enjoys cross stitching, watching movies with her cat Clio, and thrifting.

What is your favorite winter activity? Walking across the frozen lake at my mom’s house in Wisconsin