On March 7, the Baltimore Business Journal held its first annual Outstanding Director Awards gala, amid the elegantly understated splendor of the Four Seasons in Baltimore. Murthy Law Firm founder and president, Sheela Murthy, was among a select group to be honored for their outstanding work as directors of nonprofits and companies public and private. (See Murthy to Receive Outstanding Director Award, MurthyBlog, 10.Jan.2013.] Well over 200 making up a who’s who of Baltimore were in attendance, representing the cream of corporate and nonprofit leadership in the greater Baltimore region.
At the awards ceremony, Traci Barnett, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland (GSCM), spoke glowingly of Sheela’s commitment to the ideals of Girl Scouting, and warmly thanked her for many years of exceptional service as GSCM’s board president, and as a long-term board member. Ms. Barnett’s respect and admiration for Sheela were clearly evident as she explained why she was delighted to make her nomination for this honor.
In an interview with Joanna Sullivan of the BBJ, Murthy said she had no hesitation in joining the GSCM board of directors:
“I felt like I had a purpose and mission and a vision to make a difference and to impact the lives of young girls and to be a role model. In a strange way, I don’t really look at myself as being different in terms of being brown-skinned as opposed to white or black. I think it’s a useful role model for little girls to see that you don’t have to be white or black or brown or pink or yellow. You can just be who you are. You can be strong and you can be comfortable in your own skin and therefore be a very effective role model.” [See Sheela Murthy, interview with Joanna Sullivan, Baltimore Business Journal, Outstanding Directors Awards 2013 (Special Supplement), March 2013.]
Whether she’s working with the Girl Scouts, or any of several other groups with which she’s involved, Sheela understands the importance of excellence in the boardroom: organizations depend on board members to set their direction, to share the wisdom and insights borne of their experience. So what makes a good director? Ms. Murthy told the BBJ, it’s “the qualities of being a friend, a guide, a mentor, asking questions.”
Having served on numerous boards of directors over the years – for nonprofits and businesses alike – Murthy is in a good position to know. A small sampling of her current board commitments: Cancer Treatment Centers of America; Maryland Chamber of Commerce, Secretary; United Way of Central Maryland; the IndianAmerican business organization TiE D.C., and many, many more. What all of these have in common is the passion, energy, commitment, and active leadership that Sheela brings to these boards, on which she considers it her honor and privilege to serve.
From all of us at the Murthy Law Firm, let us say once again: Congratulations, Sheela! We are proud to be on your team!
Copyright © 2013, SHEELA MURTHY. All Rights Reserved