President

Mr. Murphy has had a varied career. In addition to serving as Director of the North Carolina State Parks system, he has been a US Navy officer, an investment banker, a physics and astronomy teacher and a Professor of Practice at the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina. He has also held leadership positions in numerous non-profit organizations.

Vice President

Katie's deep connection to the outdoors began with exploring neighborhood creeks as a child. Her love of N.C. State Parks began with birthdays at Jordan Lake and camping at Hammocks Beach, and grew greatly while serving as Public Information Officer for the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. Katie's work has spanned environmental science engagement and communications as well as environmental policy development. She believes inspiring stewards of our State Parks with memorable experiences is key to their protection through future generations.

Secretary

Ms. Tingley worked for the North Carolina State Parks System for 35 years, retiring as Chief Deputy Director in 2021. Over the years, her duties included park planning, land acquisition, capital improvements, trails, natural resources, the agency budget office and the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund. She has a Masters degree in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Treasurer

Ms. Graham, currently retired after 25 plus years of work experience with financial and nonprofit institutions, now devotes time to causes that focus on sustaining the natural environment and promoting the correlation of interactions with the natural environment and improved physical and mental health within populations. Ms. Graham, an avid proponent of volunteerism, for more than 15 years has served on several managing, working and advisory boards lending her expertise to the organization, operation, management and policy development for both nonprofit and for-profit organizations.

Board Member

Born in New York City, Ms. Hunt is a graduate of Antioch College and a retired teacher with experience in Montessori schools. Ms. Hunt is a long time supporter of NC State Parks. She says “I love fresh air, beauty, flowers, trees, history, exercise, and escape. State Parks offer all of these. We must nurture them.”

Board Member

Mary Penny Kelly brings decades of
experience in public service to North Carolina, including as Secretary of N.C.’s Department of Environmental Quality, and serving in Governor Cooper’s office during COVID by
directing the Hometown Strong initiative. She currently serves as the Chief Deputy State HR Director for North Carolina.

Board Member

Phil McNelly is a former director of North Carolina State Parks, and former president of the National Association of State Parks Directors.