Mary Carroll Murphy

CEO – Cost Cures

Mary Carroll Murphy, a celebrated business leader and former executive in a Fortune 500 company, is from Western Massachusetts. In 1990, she moved to Bedford, New Hampshire, and was recruited by Digital Equipment Corporation to spearhead marketing initiatives for their pioneering integrated office systems.

Numerous prominent awards have distinguished Murphy’s illustrious career, spanning several decades in the information technology and financial services sectors. Murphy has lived and worked in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, California, and internationally.

Currently, she leads an innovative software company and, with her husband, owns extensive land in Francestown, New Hampshire. Their esteemed residence, Black Shoals, is nestled on the tranquil shores of the Piscataquog River.

Current Roles

Cost Cures

Murphy holds the CEO position at Cost Cures, based in Peterborough, New Hampshire. Established in 2024, this groundbreaking software company is set to transform healthcare affordability nationwide by offering transparency in pricing for dental, healthcare, and vision services.

The firm is developing an AI-enhanced database and search tool that enables consumers to find economical self-pay, cash, or negotiated prices for various medical services across the United States. Furthermore, she and her team are integrating telemedicine and professionally trained concierge services, which will be accessible through the company’s website and a dedicated app.

Black Shoals Farm

In 2022, Murphy and her husband initiated Black Shoals Farm, a sustainable farm situated in Francestown, New Hampshire. This eco-friendly venture focuses on non-GMO, chemical-free fruits and vegetables and also cultivates edible flowers along with medicinal and gourmet herbs.

Career History

Charles Schwab

In 2011, Murphy was selected as the inaugural Charles Schwab Independent Branch franchisee from a vast pool of candidates. Charles Schwab, a leader in investment services, manages approximately $7.4 trillion in assets. Within a decade, she expanded her franchise to one of the largest independent wealth management practices in New Hampshire, managing nearly $1 billion in assets by early 2022. In recognition of her innovative leadership, Charles Schwab honored her with the Champion Award, leading her to divest her successful franchise later that year.

Earlier Roles

Murphy’s career commenced in 1979 at what is currently known as Eversource, covering Massachusetts and Connecticut. She soon entered the insurance industry as a Technical Analyst at ITT/Hartford Insurance Group in 1982, rapidly advancing to Assistant Systems Manager, then Director of a subsidiary focused on programmer productivity software. Between 1982 and 2001, she ascended through the ranks to senior management at various high-tech firms, including Digital Equipment Corporation, Lotus Development Corporation, IBM, and multiple technology startups. IBM/Lotus Development later relocated her to Europe to lead a division that collaborated with governments and major corporations on deploying public Internet and email solutions globally.

After a brief hiatus in 2001 to care for her parents, she earned a master’s degree from Rivier University in 2004 and taught mathematics and personal finance at Manchester High School West. She then transitioned to financial advising, joining UBS Financial Services and subsequently becoming an independent advisor with MassMutual.

Academic Background

Bridgewater State College

Murphy is an alumna of Bridgewater State College, where she graduated early in 1978 by excelling in advanced placement exams. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in communications, arts, and sciences, with minors in psychology and English. She actively participated as a class officer, swim team member and forensic and debate team champion.

Rivier University

She achieved her M.Ed. with high distinction from Rivier University in Nashua, New Hampshire, in 2004. Rivier is a renowned private Catholic university accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and approved by the New Hampshire Department of Education.

Awards

Murphy has been lauded with numerous accolades throughout her career, including DEC 100 and Decathlon sales awards at Digital Equipment Corporation. She played a significant role in advancing global email adoption in the early 1990s, earning an Electronic Mail Association Leadership Award in 1992. Her tenure at IBM/Lotus Development Corporation brought her a Lotus Achievers Award in 1994 and the prestigious Summit Award for Manager of the Year in 1995. During her time as a financial advisor, she received multiple UBS Leaders Circle Awards for asset growth. As a Charles Schwab franchisee, she was recognized with numerous industry awards, culminating in the creation of the Champion Award in her honor.

Philanthropic Endeavors

Together with her husband, Murphy actively supports local organizations such as the Francestown Old Meetinghouse, the Francestown Volunteer Fire Department, and the Francestown Food Bank. They are also dedicated members of the Parmalee Society at Monadnock Community Hospital. Their philanthropy extends to enhancing broadband access in rural areas and conservation efforts to protect local wildlife habitats.

Board Memberships

Murphy has been a trustee at Rivier University since January 2016, supporting its mission to transform hearts and minds to serve the world. She also served on the Board of Trustees of St. Joseph Hospital from 2016 to 2019.

Personal Life & Interests

Mary Carroll Murphy cherishes her life in Francestown, New Hampshire, with her husband, a former chemical engineer, and their beloved Belgian Malinois. A former guest columnist on personal finance, she enjoys cultivating culinary and medicinal herbs, reading non-fiction, antiquing, kayaking, sport shooting, and hosting gatherings. Her life epitomizes a blend of business acumen, community service, and a profound commitment to enhancing the quality of life for others.