Board Member Spotlights: Terrence Murphy & Dr. Deborah McMahon

Terrence Murphy
Brother’s Brother Foundation welcomed Terrence Murphy into a two-year term as Board Chair at its first quarter board meeting in January.
“I’m very excited to welcome Terry Murphy as BBF’s new Board Chair!” BBF President Ozzy Samad said. “We’re honored to have had Terry serve on BBF’s Advisory Board for many years, followed by Vice Chair and head of the Development Committee, and now Chair. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the organization and is committed to BBF’s growth and success in the service of others.”
Murphy, a special counsel for Littler Mendelson, the largest management and employment labor law firm in the world, begins the new position just as a 45-year career in corporate law slows down. With his eyes set on retirement, Murphy’s priorities have shifted from his career in law to spending more time helping others. Giving, he believes, is what makes someone “whole.” Murphy became involved in BBF after Tom Wentling, a friend of 30 years and the former BBF Board Chair, introduced him to the organization.
“I think like lots of other people I was pretty enthralled with the story of BBF and what it does,” Murphy said. As Board Chair, Murphy said he looks forward to working with Samad to carry out Samad’s vision of expanding the organization and increasing its resources.

Dr. Deborah McMahon
Dr. Deborah McMahon has served as BBF’s Medical Director since 2011. She is an integral part of BBF’s executive committee, acting as a consultant to determine which pharmaceuticals BBF should accept and ship from the warehouse.
“Dr. McMahon has provided BBF with invaluable guidance over her tenure as Medical Director,” said Ozzy Samad, BBF president. “This has included providing insight into specific treatments for diseases as well as explaining hospital and other medical needs faced by our partners. She is always available for BBF staff if there are any questions about our pharmaceutical program or to address healthcare issues faced by the organization itself – such as the challenges provided by Covid-19.”
Dr. McMahon’s relationship with BBF began in 2008 when she reached out for medical equipment and pharmaceuticals for a new clinic in Mozambique. She was part pf a team of doctors traveling to set up a clinic to teach local physicians how to care for people with HIV and other diseases. Over the next several months, she developed working relationships with BBF staff and leadership, and in 2011, when BBF’s medical director stepped down they asked McMahon if she would take on the position.
During her time at BBF, McMahon is proud to have watched the organization increase its local initiatives and strengthen its continual response to disasters.
“I feel committed to the work as others do,” McMahon says. “You just sort of feel called to do it.”