Fellows Biographies
James F. Murley
(1998) - In May, 2009, Jim became Assistant Dean for External Relations for the College of Architecture, Urban and Public Affairs, at Florida Atlantic University. His responsibilities include working with the Dean, faculty and students to further their involvement in civic activities throughout the South Florida region and educating public and private leaders on the resources available at the College. In addition, he serves as a co-coordinator for a new university wide effort ; “ Integrative, Collaborative Climate and Energy (ICCE)” research initiative.
Jim has served since February, 1999, as Director of the University’s Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions (CUES) where he currently acts as Principal Investigator for the several climate change adaptation research projects. With the support of the National Commission on Energy Policy (NCEP) the Center produced a study entitled “Florida Resilient Coasts: A Statewide Policy Framework for Adapting to Climate Change.” This report became the basic support document for the Adaptation Section of Governor Crist’s Climate Action Plan. The Center is working on a sequel study entitled “ Southeast Florida’s Resilient Water Resources: Adaptation to Sea Level Rise and other impact from Climate Change.”
Murley serves on a number of organizations focused on finding solutions to climate change challenges facing Florida. He serves as Vice Chair of the Miami Dade County Climate Change Advisory Task Force and a member of the Broward County Climate Change Task Force. In 2008 he was appointed by Governor Charlie Crist as the first Chair of the Florida Energy and Climate Commission. The Commission is charged with implementing the Action Plan and recently was authorized by the Florida Legislature to administer over $ 180 million in federal economic recovery funds from the United States Department of the Energy. In July, 2009, Governor Crist named Murley for his Points of Light Award for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency. “ Jim has been a tireless advocate for climate change awareness in the Sunshine State,” said Governor Crist, “ His breath of knowledge and dedication to making Florida an example of environmental stewardship has been a great service to the People of the State.”
Jim is a 1974 graduate of the George Washington University Law School where he specialized in environmental and land-use law. Before coming to Florida, he worked for the National Atmospheric and Oceanographic Administration in coastal zone management. He continues he love for oceans and coasts by serving as Secretary –Treasurer of the Board of Directors of the Florida Ocean Alliance (FOA). FOA recently published a July, 2009 report, “Moving Ahead: The Next Step in Ocean Management in Florida, calling for marine special management in Florida. He also serves on the national Board of Directors of the Coastal States Stewardship Foundation.
He first joined the Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA) in 1983 as its Director of Resource Planning and Management. In that capacity he helped draft and gain passage of Florida’s landmark Growth Management Act. In 1987, Jim left the Department to head 1000 Friends of Florida, a not-for-profit public interest group that works to promote sensible planning, economic development and environmental preservation. Jim was then appointed Secretary of DCA in 1995, by Governor Lawton Chiles , who called him a “seasoned leader in growth management issues with nearly two decades of experience under his belt.”
Jim is currently chair of the Sustainability Committee of the Urban Land Institute’s Southeast Florida/Caribbean District Council. He his Vice Chair of the Florida Chapter of the Congress for New Urbanism, member of the Board of Directors of the Seaside Institute and a member of the South Florida Water Management District’s Water Resource Commission. He is an alumni of Leadership Florida, Class IX and named to the Achievement Hall of Fame of Chagrin Falls , Ohio High School Alumni organization. Jim is a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration.