2008 40 Under 40 Honoree: Natalie Murdock

“I just like it here,” says the development director for the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools.

Murdock discovered her calling when a Missouri State University professor encouraged the class not to dismiss the nonprofit field.

“It just became a passion,” she says. “It was about so much more. I wouldn’t want to work in any other industry.”

Murdock’s penchant for nonprofits took her first to what is now GYN Cancers Alliance before moving to Ozarks Public Broadcasting and then United Way of the Ozarks.

Murdock, who joined the school foundation in January, has worked in membership, marketing, communications and development.

“Working in the nonprofit industry, I have learned to wear many hats,” Murdock says. “In many cases, I have seen a project which needed to be addressed and taken it upon myself to take the ball and run with it. I have had the opportunity to lead committees, organize fundraising events, news conferences and direct-mail campaigns.”

While working as marketing director for United Way, Murdock organized the launch of the 211 help line in southwest Missouri, a free number that people can call to receive referral information for human services, including shelter, food pantries and volunteer opportunities.

In her work with the schools, Murdock aims to raise awareness of the foundation.

“What we’re doing here is awesome: to bring resources to our kids,” Murdock says. “We’re really trying to reach a larger audience. One of my major goals is to reach Springfield Public Schools alumni.”

Murdock’s community involvement includes being a member of Rotaract, where she helps raise money for Boys & Girls Town of Missouri, and she stays involved with GYN Cancers Alliance, KSMU Public Radio, Ozarks Public Television and the Fair Grove Lions Club, where she and her husband, Brad, coach Little League. She also belongs to the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Murdock credits the giving nature of people and organizations in the Ozarks for contributing to her job satisfaction.“We rally around the organizations that help people, and it brings an excitement to your job,” she says.

Double Play

Birth date: Sept. 28, 1980

Family: I have been married to Brad Murdock, my high school sweetheart, since October 2003. We don’t have any children, but we have a dog, a Lhasa Apso named Daisy. My mom and stepdad, Carol and Bud Sullins, live in Siloam Springs, Ark., where my older sister, Amy, her husband and three kids live. My dad, Doug Woodard, was a farmer in southeast Missouri who died two years ago.

Philosophy to live/work by: I try to live and work everyday as though someone’s life could be changed by what I am doing.

In a fantasy world, which professional sport would you play? I think if I could play a professional sport and be good at it, I would choose tennis. I am actually a horrible tennis player and rarely play in public.

Information accurate at the time of the honor.