Heart of The Crossroads Award
Lynn Lockwood Murphy and Barrett Murphy
HEART OF THE CROSSROADS AWARD
Lynn and Barrett Murphy have been long time friends and supporters of Children at the Crossroads (CATC) Foundation. In fact, one of their first dates was a CATC scholarship dinner.
The Murphys’ greatest collaboration is their family. Parents to three children, Alexander (21), Aidan (19) and Amelia (16). Lynn & Barrett met through a mutual friend in Mayor Daley’s Office. Lynn was working for Mayor Daley as Deputy Director of Scheduling in the Office of the Mayor and Barrett stopped by with cookies to visit a friend. As Lynn recalls, news of a man with cookies in their all-women office traveled fast! Being no fool, Barrett quickly asked Lynn out and, since Barrett was starting graduate school in MN, so began their long-distance romance.
Barrett soon moved south to Chicago. Besides falling in love with Lynn, he also fell in love with Chicago. Lynn and Barrett have both worked in Federal and municipal government for more than 50 years combined. Barrett has worked in the areas of public policy, communications, technology and operations. Lynn has professional experience in managing political campaigns, development and nonprofit management.
Recently, Barrett was appointed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and approved by Chicago City Council as Commissioner of the Department of Water Management, where he oversees 2000 people and a billion-dollar budget. Lynn currently serves as Executive Director of the One Chicago Fund, a nonprofit organization that raises private money for large scale projects for the City of Chicago.
Lynn and Barrett’s dedication to the Chicago community is based in support of the arts, children and clean green space. Lynn serves on the boards of Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago Children’s Theatre and After School Matters. Barrett serves as Treasurer and board member for the Water Research Foundation.
Lynn and Barrett’s journey with CATC and FXW began with Lynn’s work with Maggie Daley as Mrs. Daley’s Chief of Staff. Barrett recalls that early in their relationship, he knew he needed to pass the ‘Maggie’ test! Though nervous, he passed with flying colors! All three Murphy kids attended FXW, with Amelia graduating in the class of 2015. Lynn served as GALA chair for two years and both Lynn and Barrett have volunteered for too many Galas to count! Lynn joined the CATC board in 2002 and chaired the Scholarship dinner for several years.