When I received a call from the soon to be former CEO of CAAMP, Jim Murphy, to tell me personally that he is tendering his resignation, I was and wasn’t surprised. As he shared with me his rationale for wanting to pursue other opportunities, my mind was racing. Candidly speaking, images and the silent questions I started asking myself impeded my ability to truly comprehend and absorb every word spoken during that conversation. I think there’s a simple explanation as to why my mind started bombarding me with questions: it’s because Jim mattered, a lot. Now he’s leaving.

They say that timing is everything, and as cliché as that is, it holds  true in Jim Murphy’s case.  When Jim first joined CAAMP, it was raining mortgage applications. Hubris ruled; this was how it was going to be forever.  Then WAM!; 2008 comes along and forever changes our landscape. Jim’s knowledge and skill at navigating the hallways of Parliament ensured our voices would be heard. Prior to Jim joining CAAMP, we would be lucky to get a phone call returned from the Finance Department in Ottawa. Not long after Jim’s arrival, not only were our calls returned by the Finance Department, they began reaching out to CAAMP for data and input on mortgage related issues. Jim Murphy is invited to Ottawa every year for the reading of the new federal budget. He takes part in the lockdown process where certain individuals are given a sneak peek at the budget prior to reading. This process is more symbolic than anything else, but what a symbol it is for CAAMP and this industry to be able to attach itself to; how far we’ve come in such a short period of time. We were fortunate that the right person was driving the bus. Especially post 2008, when there was no clear road map to where we were all heading.

Reflecting on the six years that I had the pleasure of serving the board, and working closely with Jim, two things stood out for me. First, I cannot imagine what it would be like to have to break in a new “boss” every….single…year.  Yet, that’s exactly what Jim had to deal with. A new Chair and Executive turns over every year. Every Chair comes in thinking he or she will transform the association.  That’s so cute. Once you’ve earned the right to sit in the Chair’s chair, reality sets in. Jim was always patient and diplomatic with me when I served as Chair. My reality was that whatever direction I planned on taking CAAMP, Jim and his staff would be responsible for the successful execution of said plans, long after I was gone. Jim assisted me in seeing the light, and more importantly, the reality of the Chair’s role and what can and cannot be done in a short period of time. Second, Jim brought a calm demeanour to the role. During his time with CAAMP, his calmness would be challenged, over, and over, and over again. CAAMP is the 800 pound gorilla in this industry. It’s the biggest, it has the most clout and influence; therefore, it attracts the most attention. Many in the industry have served Jim Murphy, and CAAMP, a steady diet of shit sandwiches over the years. Yet, when served, Jim’s response would be, “Bon Appetit, everyone”.  Jim believed that CAAMP had to adhere to higher standard, and not respond in kind with “I know you are, but what am I”. A higher standard is a badge of honour that CAAMP wears proudly, and that didn’t happen by accident.

Jim will be missed, but he will be replaced. Jim helped to grow the association, and ensured that CAAMP could acquire talent when needed, and the need is now.  My hope is that Jim can walk away knowing that this industry, and CAAMP, is better because of his involvement. To Jim Murphy I simply say, thank you.

Until next time,

Cheers.