President Trump Appoints James R. Murphy NLRB Chairman

President Donald J. Trump has designated Board Member James R. Murphy Chairman of the National Labor Relations Board.

“I wish to thank President Trump for putting his trust in me to serve as Chairman of the National Labor Relations Board.  I am looking forward to working with my colleagues Member Prouty and Member Mayer, and all NLRB employees to protect and advance the rights of American workers,” said Chairman Murphy.

Chairman Murphy was nominated by President Trump to be a Member of the National Labor Relations Board. He was sworn in as a Member on January 7, 2026, for a term expiring on December 16, 2027.

Mr. Murphy returned to the Board after a distinguished career at the National Labor Relations Board with over 47 years of service. Mr. Murphy began at the Board as a student law clerk in 1974 and served as counsel to numerous Board members over the decades. Most recently, he served as Chief Counsel to former Chairman Marvin Kaplan.

Chairman Murphy received his J.D. from American University and his B.A. from Princeton University. He and his wife Karen have been married for over fifty years. They have three adult children and four grandchildren.