Colleen Murray

Before she could buckle a briefcase, Colleen dreamed of being a businesswoman. Eschewing Madeline and Dr. Seuss at bedtime, young Colleen favored captivating stories about her father’s computer business. Destined to take over the company – or so she thought – Colleen’s hopes were dashed when her father sold her “legacy” just as she entered middle school.

Optimistic and energetic, Colleen did not let this early setback deter her. Years later, this dynamo landed at Perkins as an HR generalist and steadily worked her way up to Director of Operations. With her signature zest and camaraderie, Colleen now weaves project management, strategic planning, communications, and more into her busy days at Perkins.

Her woodsy office, a “sanctuary for rejected plants,” doubles as a discotheque – complete with disco ball. When she’s not hosting impromptu dance parties at work, Colleen stretches her mind and body at weekly yoga classes, loves a great downtown Portland dinner on Friday nights, and helps care for the earth as a devoted Ecochallenge.org board member. In all she does, Colleen is admirably inspiring and always true to her calling.