Ed Murphy
Ed Murphy, Founder and Executive Director of Workforce Development Institute (WDI), has a long history as a leader in public policy, veteran services, economic and workforce development. Ed began his professional life as a military intelligence agent, fluent in Vietnamese. He returned as a veteran’s advocate, and Vietnam expert articulating the mistakes and missed opportunities related to America’s war.
Ed has used his BA in American Studies, two (2) years graduate work in the history of social change and revolution, certificate in Arts Management and Master’s in public administration to support his work in business, as a government and non-profit executive and consultant. At NYS Civil Service, Ed led development of New York’s first state workforce plan in 1989, recommending introduction of a Workforce Impact Statement as a component of public funding.
In 1999, Ed came to work with the NYS AFL-CIO, establishing WDI, a national leader in workforce intelligence, education and training of unionized workers. Ed helped found the NYS Apollo Alliance, bringing together businesses, organized labor and environmental advocates to address energy concerns. Ed serves on the New York State Workforce Investment Board.
Ed has had three (3) photo exhibits sponsored by the NYS Vietnam Memorial, been an advisor on two movies, shares an Emmy for HBO’s Dear America Letters Home From Vietnam, and has published five books.