Michael J. Murphy is an American politician who served as the 21st Washington State Treasurer from 1997 to 2009 as a member of the Democratic Party.

He attended St. Edward Seminary in Kenmore, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Seattle University in 1969.

[1] After completing a tour of duty in the military, Murphy began work as a civil servant for the Office of the Washington State Treasurer (OST) in 1972.

During his 15 years working for the OST, Murphy's assignments included administrator of the Public Deposit Protection Commission and internal auditor.

[5] After serving three four-year terms, Murphy retired the post in 2008, and James McIntire replaced him as Washington State Treasurer.