When the Florida Swimming Pool Association sought a new executive director, it wanted a triple threat: Senior experience in nonprofits, a strong background in membership and administration, and — though it seemed too much to ask — somebody with pool/spa-industry experience.
Elizabeth McMurray fit the bill handily.
“We got all three!” says FSPA President Maurice Bushroe, also president and owner of Blue Ribbon Pools in Port Orange, Fla. “So we’re really excited about her background and how quickly we think she can step in and help lead us through what is certainly an interesting time in our industry.”
Indeed, her path, from interests as a youngster to her educational background and varied professional experience, seems to have led her directly to the job.
Early Days
Born in South Florida and raised in Central Florida, between Ocala and Gainesville, McMurray graduated from the University of Florida.
Knowing the trajectory of her career, it’s funny now that she began as a business undergraduate but changed majors when she really didn’t like it. Instead, she majored in anthropology, with a double minor in English and religion.
“I was a typical college kid who thought, ‘I want to take the classes I’m having a lot of fun with,’” she says. “Ironically, as soon as I graduated, what did I end up doing? I was right into business.”
She began in bookkeeping and accounting, a specialty she picked up from her family. She lived in that space for several years before evolving into general operations and human resources.
Still, her anthropology background has had a steady influence over the years. “As far as my human resources background is concerned, my degree in anthropology is really helpful,” McMurray says. “It really does give you an understanding of cultures, how societies interact and how those subcultures play into ethics, morals and values.”
McMurray gained her exposure to non-profits as COO and chief of staff for the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce for three years, the position she held most recently before joining FSPA.
In the industry
It was the pool/spa industry that carried her into management, during a seven-year tenure with Jack’s Magic Products, the manufacturer of stain-removal systems based in Largo, Fla.
“Those opportunities were gifted to me by President/CEO Jack Bean,” McMurray says. “He trusted me and allowed me to get some professional development and really grow in those areas. That experience really changed my perspective on all the different things that I could do.”
She took to the industry right away. “Everybody is so laser focused on how they can be at their best, but also how the industry can be at its best,” she says. “So I love the personality of the industry, and the fact that it revolves around something I think our country at large can all be aligned on — wanting to have fun, to enjoy swimming and what pools bring to the table.”
She also learned about the needs of manufacturers, including their objectives at trade shows, knowledge that she expects to come in handy as she oversees the organization of the Everything Under the Sun Show.
Now heading the FSPA team, she is focused on priorities set forth by its Board of Directors, including implementing its apprenticeship program and expanding the charitable work done by the organization’s foundation to, for example, provide free swim lessons.
For the apprenticeship program and continuing education in general, she is working to hire a workforce education program manager, as well as another position.
The organization is working to strengthen its relationship with the state government. Recently, it held a meeting with Julie Brown, Florida Secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, to discuss how the two entities can communicate issues and concerns and partner on future initiatives.
In her spare time
When not shepherding FSPA, McMurray likes the outdoors, where she paddle boards, hikes and cycles with her husband.
“Spending time with my family and just staying healthy and fit, those are all priorities in my personal life,” she says.
She also serves as vice chair on the board of directors for Friends of Strays, an animal shelter where she has been volunteering for about four years. Quite the animal lover, she has one rescue dog and four cats.
