Charley Murphy will continue to lead the Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center into the future after the center’s board of directors voted to offer him the permanent position as president and CEO last week. Murphy has been working on an interim basis following the departure of Stan McLaren, who left to become president of Carney Hospital in May.

Murphy, a lawyer and former state lawmaker who led Harvard Street from 2013 to 2017, called it “an honor” to return full-time.

“This opportunity also allows me to complete the challenge I began five years ago of expanding services with the development of a new health center building,” he said.

Murphy served eight terms in the Legislature in a variety of leadership positions.

“In the past two months since returning to the health center, Charley’s dedication and passion to successfully move the health center forward and grow our patient-base has been remarkable,” said board Chair Bonnie Brathwaite. “Charley’s leadership and political background are critically necessary as we look forward to growth in this ever-changing health care environment.”