Shawn Murphy has held positions in state and local government for over 30 years with 26 years’ experience as a Municipal Administrator. After obtaining his Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 1986 and Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1990, Murphy began his career as a Budget & Program Coordinator for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Murphy served as Assistant Village Manager in Whitefish Bay from 1992-1997; Village Administrator in Prairie du Sac from 1997 to 2007; City Administrator in Verona from 2007 to 2010 and City Administrator in Portage from 2012 to 2023. Murphy has a strong track record of collaboration and was involved in the formation of the North Shore Fire Department, the reformation of a joint Police Department between Prairie du Sac and Sauk City; worked closely with the Sauk Prairie School District to create the Sauk Prairie Recreation Commission that includes 6 municipalities and was involved in the creation of a joint municipal court commission that includes 4 municipalities. Murphy was an active member of the Wisconsin City/County Managers Association (WCMA) and the International City Manager’s Association serving on numerous committees. In 2023 Murphy received a lifetime achievement award from the WCMA. Murphy works on interim management assignments and executive recruitment projects for PAA.
