Albany, New York 12207
518-433-8277

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, June 7, 2006

Albany - Charter Schools Institute Executive Director James D. Merriman recently announced the appointment of Maureen C. Murphy as Institute Senior Grants and Finance Analyst.  With nearly 20 years experience in budget and finance, including seventeen years in higher education, Ms. Murphy brings a comprehensive set of budgeting, financial reporting, program design and implementation, and compliance skills to the position.  Ms. Murphy will coordinate with the State University of New York in receiving state and federal grant funds on behalf of the Charter Schools Institute for ultimate awarding to charter schools. 

“Grant funding is a vital resource for all charter schools, particularly in the start-up phases of operation.” said Merriman.  “We are very pleased that Maureen has come on board to help coordinate the Institute’s grant award program.”

William Lake, Institute Vice President for School Fiscal Accountability said, “In addition to oversight of the grant program, Maureen will help in the review of annual school budgets and finance reports, participate in select school visits, and serve as a resource for the Institute by keeping up-to-date with the latest research/analysis on charter school funding.”

Ms. Murphy most recently served as Finance Director for the New York State Small Business Development Center (NYS-SBDC) where she was responsible for program-wide financial systems, reporting and internal controls and federal sponsor compliance. She advised host campuses and campus project directors of applicable financial management and compliance issues, and formulated internal testing and review programs for compliance and appropriateness of financial transactions.  Prior to joining the NYS-SBDC, Ms. Murphy served as the Assistant for University Financial Analysis in the office of business affairs (1990-2001) and the Office of the University Controller (1989-1990) at the State University of New York System Administration.

Ms. Murphy received her B.S. degree in Business Administration from the State University of New York at Albany.

The Charter Schools Institute was created by the State University of New York Board of Trustees to administer their responsibilities under the Charter Schools Act of 1998, including the review of applications, assisting in the development of charter school accountability plans, and considering charters for renewal. The Institute has become recognized as a national leader in the public charter school movement, providing extensive experience in charter schools and all aspects of public education, including curriculum, school operations, accountability, fiscal oversight and program development.