About

About Mary Carroll Murphy

Mary Carroll Murphy is an esteemed business owner and a former executive at a Fortune 500 company rooted in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire. Born in Western Massachusetts, she relocated to Bedford, New Hampshire, in 1990 through her role at Digital Equipment Corporation to market pioneering integrated office systems.

Over the years, Murphy has made her mark not only in Massachusetts and New Hampshire but also in Connecticut, California, and abroad. Her extensive and illustrious career spans the information technology and financial services sectors, bringing her numerous accolades and recognitions.

Currently, she leads an innovative software company and, alongside her husband, Michael, manages a significant tract of land in Francestown, New Hampshire. Together, they have established their dream home, Black Shoals, on the picturesque banks of the Piscataquog River.

Current Roles

Cost Cures

As the CEO of Cost Cures, based in Peterborough, New Hampshire, Murphy oversees a software company that began in 2024. Cost Cures is revolutionizing the healthcare industry by enhancing transparency in pricing for dental, healthcare, and vision services to reduce nationwide healthcare expenses. The company is crafting an AI-enhanced database to enable users to access economical options for various medical services across the U.S. Her team is also integrating telemedicine and concierge services, accessible through their website and a mobile app.

Black Shoals Farm

In 2022, Murphy and her husband Mike founded Black Shoals Farm, a sustainable venture in Francestown, New Hampshire. This non-GMO, chemical-free farm produces a variety of fruits and vegetables, edible flowers, and both medicinal and gourmet herbs, reflecting their commitment to ecological stewardship.

Career History

Charles Schwab

In 2011, Murphy was selected as the first Charles Schwab Independent Branch franchisee in the nation. Under her leadership, her branch quickly grew to manage nearly $1 billion in assets by 2022. Recognizing her trailblazing efforts, Charles Schwab honored her with the Champion Award, highlighting her role in validating the Independent Branch Service model. She divested her successful franchise in mid-2022.

Earlier Roles

Murphy’s professional journey began in 1979 at Eversource in Massachusetts and Connecticut. She soon transitioned to ITT/Hartford Insurance Group, quickly advancing to significant leadership positions. Her career trajectory took her through major companies like Digital Equipment Corporation, Lotus Development Corporation, and IBM, where she was relocated to Europe to spearhead a division focused on deploying public internet and email services globally.

After pausing her career in 2001 to care for her parents, Murphy pursued a master’s degree and taught mathematics and personal finance in New Hampshire. She re-entered the financial sector in 2006 with UBS Financial Services and later joined MassMutual as an independent advisor, providing expert financial strategies to affluent clients.

Academic Background

Bridgewater State College

Murphy is an alumna of Bridgewater State College, Massachusetts, where she completed her bachelor’s degree in communications, arts, and sciences in 1978, also minoring in psychology and English.

Rivier University

In 2004, Murphy earned an M.Ed. with high distinction from Rivier University, a private Catholic institution in Nashua, New Hampshire, recognized by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Awards

Throughout her career, Murphy has been a recipient of numerous awards, including the DEC 100 and Decathlon sales awards from Digital Equipment Corporation and various accolades from IBM/Lotus Development Corporation. Her role in Charles Schwab’s independent branch initiative was mainly celebrated, earning her multiple industry and community awards.

Philanthropic Endeavors

Murphy and her husband are active philanthropists in their community, supporting local initiatives like the Francestown Volunteer Fire Department and the Monadnock Community Hospital. Their contributions include substantial land donations to conserve local wildlife habitats.

Board Memberships

Murphy serves as a trustee at Rivier University, helping to steer the institution toward fulfilling its mission. She also served on the board of St. Joseph Hospital, contributing to healthcare improvements across southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts.

Personal Life & Interests

Mary Carroll Murphy resides in Francestown, New Hampshire, with her husband, Mike, a retired chemical engineer. They share a passion for Belgian Malinois dogs and own several Jubilee Orpington chickens. A former guest columnist and an avid gardener, Murphy enjoys a range of hobbies, from kayaking to sports shooting, and is always surrounded by friends and family.