PC Degree(s): B. A. in English

PC Activities:  Friars Club member

Career Path:  After graduating magna cum laude from PC, Murphy earned a law degree from Boston College Law School in 1990 and joined the Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission the same year. She held several positions there, including staff attorney, managing director, and associate general counsel, before being named executive director and general counsel in late 2005.

Murphy and her staff offer legal assistance to individuals who have been denied access to public records or meetings in the state. The agency conducts hearings and decides complaints alleging violations of the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act.  The only agency of its kind in the country, it handles more than 600 complaints a year and also conducts numerous educational workshops concerning rights and obligations under the law.

Along with leading many of these workshops, Murphy delivers speeches for national, state, and provincial programs about government transparency, freedom of the press, privacy, and data protection. She has traveled to Mexico to share information about the Freedom of Information Act and has been asked by individuals in China and Canada to provide guidance on open government issues.

Family:  Husband, Philip DeFronzo; three children

Staying Involved:  At least once a year, Murphy reunites with a group of friends she met at PC.

Memorable Quotes:  “I think my friends from PC and I have a really special bond that not many people have. I think PC sets you up for these relationships; it’s a very close-knit community.”

“There’s a strong sense of community at PC that I think makes you want to be a part of your community and work in that community.”