Dick Fairbanks captured the spirit of the Cape and Islands United Way’s 2025 Visionary Award recipient, Rana Murphy, perfectly.
“Rana enters every room or new challenge with genuine energy and an expectation of success,” said Fairbanks, Chairman of the Cape and Islands United Way Board of Directors. “We are very fortunate that Rana has chosen to share that energy on behalf of so many of our neighbors.”
Whether it has been with the United Way, Arts Foundation of Cape Cod, Housing Assistance Corporation, or a myriad of other nonprofits, Murphy has shared her spirit of volunteerism and visionary leadership. Murphy is a Senior Vice President – Regional Manager at Eastern Bank and spent many years working in the Cape market where she grew up and raised her two sons and daughter. In recent years, her role has shifted to the Boston area, where she now oversees the Boston retail regional market for Eastern Bank and has deepened her community involvement in the area.
Murphy will be honored at the Cape and Islands United Way’s annual Best Night gala on Friday, June 27 at the Pelham House. Previous recipients have included community and business leaders Tony Shepley, Shawn DeLude, Lisa and Richard Oliver, and Bert Talerman.
“Rana has been a tremendous supporter, advocate, and leader for so many causes on the Cape,” said Mark Skala, President/CEO of the Cape and Islands United Way. “I had the good fortune of first meeting Rana when we both joined the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod Board of Directors. We both served that group as Board Chairs – Rana during a particularly transformative period for the organization.”
Skala noted that her deep commitment to the community extends well beyond the Cape. She sits on the Board of Trustees at Boston Children’s Museum and is engaged in several volunteer and nonprofit opportunities including The Greater Boston Food Bank, programs that help advance women in leadership, Project Citizenship, Build A Bed, and Boston Higashi School.
Murphy said she is deeply humbled by the award.
“I am truly honored to be selected by the Cape and Islands United Way for the Visionary Award,” she said. “Cape Cod holds a special place in the hearts of so many of us who are fortunate to call it home. Throughout my years with Eastern Bank, I have been grateful for the steadfast support of my passions and efforts in serving this incredible community, and our commitment to do what we can and give our time to help all people prosper.”
“Giving back—whether through time, treasure, or talent—has always been central to who I am. Thank you for this meaningful recognition," she added.
Eastern Bank Executive Chair and Chair of the Board of Directors Bob Rivers noted, “Rana Murphy is a role model for commitment to community, colleagues and customers in all that she does. As a resident of Cape Cod and a past Eastern leader in the region, she brings a deep understanding and dedication to improving lives and advancing the common good on the Cape. On behalf of everyone at Eastern Bank, we’re thrilled to congratulate Rana on this recognition of her lasting achievements by the Cape and Islands United Way.”