Pat Murphy of the Ann Storck Center On 5 Things You Need To Know To Successfully Lead A Nonprofit Organization
Success is Measured in Lives, Not Numbers.
At the end of the day, it’s not about budgets or reports. It’s about the child who learns to walk, the adult who finds friendship, or the family who finally feels hope. Those moments are the true bottom line in nonprofit leadership. I’ll never forget the joy on the faces of residents when they experience music and art programs — the things that bring our building to life. That joy is priceless, and it’s the clearest reminder that the real “return on investment” in nonprofit work isn’t financial; it’s human dignity, happiness, and belonging.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Pat Murphy. As the CEO of the Ann Storck Center, Pat Murphy is a champion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Pat brings more than thirty years of executive management experience to her role. Responsible for overseeing all facets of the organization, Pat drives the mission, fundraising, operations, and engagement with the board of directors. Her ability to motivate and inspire staff along with her vast program knowledge has contributed to enriching the lives of thousands of children and adults with all abilities in the South Florida community.
Thank you so much for joining us! Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”?
I grew up in a very small town in upstate New York and had no exposure to the world of developmental disabilities until I met a girl named Sara. In middle school, Sara joined my gym class. She had Cerebral Palsy and used a wheelchair, which meant she couldn’t participate in the running, obstacle courses, and games that I loved. For the first two days, I sat on the sidelines with her. If Sara couldn’t participate, I didn’t want to either. But soon, I realized something important: if I wasn’t enjoying myself on the sidelines, Sara probably wasn’t either. So, I started finding ways to include her. We adapted the obstacle course, got her on a scooter, and even modified calisthenics so she could participate. Before long, Sara was a full participant in our 6th-period gym class, included, engaged, and just as happy as I was. Our friendship was brief; she left the school after five weeks, and she probably doesn’t remember me. But that short time taught me a lesson I carry to this day: the true power of inclusion. Sara showed me that everyone deserves the chance to participate, to be seen and yes, have fun!
Can you tell us the story behind why you decided to start or join your nonprofit?
I think meeting Sara sparked a fire in me, and I wanted to join an organization that could help individuals with developmental disabilities live a life without limits. I want to help people discover their abilities and help them build a life as independent as possible. That is exactly what we do at the Ann Storck Center.
Can you describe how you or your organization aims to make a significant social impact?
As CEO of the Ann Storck Center, I am committed to changing the way the world sees and supports individuals with developmental disabilities. My vision is rooted in dignity and possibility, ensuring that every child and adult we support is not only cared for but given the tools to thrive and be celebrated for their unique strengths. To achieve this, I focus on building innovative programs, expanding therapies, and creating opportunities that remove barriers and open doors to inclusion. I work each day to create a culture where staff, families, and community partners work together to build lives while also advocating at the policy level for fair funding, resources, and systemic change. Ultimately, my goal is to create both immediate impact and lasting change that advances a world where people with developmental disabilities are recognized not by their limitations, but by their value, contributions, and boundless potential.
Without saying any names, can you share a story about an individual who was helped by your idea so far?
31 years ago, a young boy came to our school. He was just 8 years old, medically fragile, and faced many respiratory challenges. He could not communicate his wants or needs and was unable to eat independently. With his mom and dad by his side every moment, he had little independence or confidence to explore the world around him. His parents, believing in our mission, entrusted their son to our care. That was the beginning of his journey. In time, he learned to eat on his own, walk, socialize, and express his likes and dislikes. He began to flourish. Although medical issues sometimes slowed his progress, he never gave up. He went on to graduate from public school, move into one of our group homes, and continue to grow. He built friendships, enjoyed a social life, and had a place to learn and belong every day. Earlier this year, he passed away due to medical complications. Yet for 39 years, he lived his best life, filled with dignity, connection, and possibility. With the right support, he proved that a life without limits is truly possible.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
Invest in Sustainable Funding: Ensure that Medicaid and other essential funding streams are stable, fair, and sufficient to cover the true cost of care. Without adequate resources, organizations like ours cannot provide the high-quality services that individuals both need and deserve.
Champion Inclusion and Equity: Support policies, schools, and workplaces that embrace people with developmental disabilities as valued members of society. True impact comes when individuals are not only cared for but also given opportunities to contribute, learn, work, and participate alongside their peers.
Strengthen the Workforce: Advocate for better wages, benefits, and recognition for direct support professionals and caregivers. These individuals are the backbone of care, and without a strong, respected workforce, services cannot be sustained.
By working together on these fronts, we can move beyond short-term fixes and create lasting change. We can build a community where individuals with developmental disabilities live with dignity, joy, and a life without limits!
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
For me, leadership is about service, vision, and heart. It means seeing the potential in every person, staff, families, and those we support. It’s creating the conditions for them to succeed. Leadership is not about titles or authority; it’s about responsibility. It’s showing up with integrity, being transparent, and making decisions that reflect loyalty, trust, and care. The three following words resonate with effective leadership to me. Authenticity: promoting transparency, honesty and openness within the workplace is something I live by every day; ultimately, that builds trust. Compassion: Showing compassion is important to gain perspective or viewpoint by putting ourselves in someone else’s shoes. Workplace compassion invites more loyalty, dedication, and employee and community engagement. Vision: Visionary Leaders embrace the unknown as a blank canvas for innovation, foresight, strategic thinking and have the capacity to inspire others.
Before I started at Ann Storck Center, I called all 350 employees and either spoke to them or left a message on their cell phone sharing how excited I was to be on their team and that I looked forward to getting to know them. One of the staff members thought I had the wrong number. They said, “You are the CEO, I’m just a Residential Aide, why would call me?” I said, “Because I want to get to know you and you to know me; you are important to ASC and important to me.” (Best 10-hour investment of my career). Annually, I hold a town hall meeting to communicate with staff. This authentically lets them know I care and value their work within the organization. I make it a point to emphasize that every position is instrumental to the success and care for the individuals we support at ASC. That is leadership to me.
Based on your experience, what are the “5 Things A Person Should Know Before They Decide To Start A Non Profit”. Please share a story or example for each.
- It Has To Come From the Heart.
After more than 30 years in this field, I can tell you that passion for the mission is what keeps you going. If you don’t deeply believe in the people you serve, the challenges will outweigh the rewards. This work must come from a place of love and purpose. I remember families who walked through our doors scared, exhausted, and unsure of what the future held for their child. If your motivation isn’t love and purpose, you won’t have the strength to walk alongside them. For me, that heart is what has kept me in this work for more than three decades. - Funding Will Be Your Constant Battle.
No matter how good your programs are, nonprofits live and die by resources. I’ve learned you have to become a relentless advocate — always telling your story, building relationships, and finding creative ways to sustain the mission. I’ve sat at the table with legislators fighting to protect Medicaid funding, knowing that if rates were cut, the services so many families depend on would be in jeopardy. You quickly learn that telling the stories of the people you serve — and putting a human face on the numbers — is the most powerful. - Your Team Will Define Your Success.
I lead more than 250 employees, and I know that every single one matters. Leadership isn’t about me — it’s about creating a culture where staff feel seen, supported, and valued. When your people thrive, your mission thrives. During our Celebrity Chef fundraiser, Art Show, and countless events, I’ve watched our staff step up and go far beyond their job descriptions. From therapists to direct support professionals, they create the magic that makes Ann Storck Center a community, not just a service provider. Without them, none of this would be possible. - You’ll Face Roadblocks — But You Can’t Give Up.
Whether it’s policy changes, Medicaid challenges, or staffing shortages, obstacles will come. I’ve seen plenty. But you push through because the people you serve don’t have the luxury of giving up, and neither can you. A few years ago, one of our group homes faced a sudden staffing shortage during a critical period. Several residents had complex medical needs, and the team was stretched to the limit. At first, it felt overwhelming, and it would have been easy to scale back programs or limit services. But our staff, motivated by commitment and care, found creative solutions — shifting schedules, collaborating across teams, and bringing in temporary support. Not only did every resident continue to receive full care, but the team emerged stronger, more connected, and more confident in their ability to overcome challenges. It reminded me that roadblocks aren’t a signal to stop; they’re an opportunity to adapt, innovate, and keep the mission alive. - Success is Measured in Lives, Not Numbers.
At the end of the day, it’s not about budgets or reports. It’s about the child who learns to walk, the adult who finds friendship, or the family who finally feels hope. Those moments are the true bottom line in nonprofit leadership. I’ll never forget the joy on the faces of residents when they experience music and art programs — the things that bring our building to life. That joy is priceless, and it’s the clearest reminder that the real “return on investment” in nonprofit work isn’t financial; it’s human dignity, happiness, and belonging.
Can you share your favorite “Life Lesson” Quote? How is that relevant to you in your life?
“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
This quote has always resonated with me because it perfectly reflects the legacy of Ann Storck herself. She was just one person who recognized that children with medical needs and developmental disabilities deserved more; more care, more opportunity, more dignity. Through her heart, dedication, and commitment, what began as her vision has grown into an organization that now supports over 500 individuals every single day with the help of 357 dedicated employees.
Her story reminds me and hopefully others that one person truly can make a difference. Each of us has the power to be that change in our own way.
Thank you so much for sharing all of these great insights!
Pat Murphy of the Ann Storck Center On 5 Things You Need To Know To Successfully Lead A Nonprofit… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.