Michael Murphy has been with Pioneer Human Services since 2012. Pioneer is a social enterprise non-profit focused on serving individuals released from incarceration and recovery who are in need of treatment, housing, job skills training, and employment. Michael oversees workforce development programs, case management service,s and resource centers throughout Washington State as the Director of Client and Community Services. He continually works towards improving sustainable partnerships, driving policy initiatives, and creating innovative programs that align to local needs. Michael sits on the Human Services Advisory Board at Western Washington University, Washington State’s Barrier and Access Solutions Committee through the Employment Security Department, the Seattle Social Enterprise Alliance, and several local workforce strategy groups. He was instrumental in the development of the Seattle Workforce Training Partnership Network in 2017. The network consists of a consortia of colleges and nonprofit training providers with an overarching goal to build training pathways, develop a shared employer engagement strategy, create funding opportunities, and disseminate best practices.
Previously, Michael worked in early learning as a Head Start teacher, on chemical dependency in homeless youth outreach, and as a researcher studying the first year experience for non-traditional students. Throughout Michael’s studies, he presented at conferences around the country and helped co-author a book titled Engaging Student Voices in the Study of Teaching and Learning. He received his Bachelor’s in Human Services and Master’s in Adult Education from Western Washington University.
Michael Murphy is a member of the Greater Seattle Sector Skills Academy Class of 2016, one of several Workforce Leadership Academies in localities across North America.
The Workforce Leadership Academies are part of the Economic Opportunity Fellows Network, a network of leadership and fellowship programs run by the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program. Within this Network, EOP connects national and local leaders from across sectors — nonprofit, government, business, philanthropy, academia, and more — to advance policies and practices with the potential to help low- and moderate-income Americans thrive in today’s economy. Learn more at as.pn/eofn.