Herman Morris, Jr., Former Head of MLGW, Joins Friends of the Earth’s Efforts in Memphis
MEMPHIS, TENN. – Former president and CEO of Memphis Light, Gas and Water and past City Attorney, Herman Morris, Jr., has joined Friends of the Earth as an adviser. Morris will work with Friends of the Earth on current and future projects geared towards educating Memphis-area residents on energy efficiency and cost-saving initiatives.
“Herman’s experience with energy, utilities and Memphis city government makes him an invaluable member of the team at Friends of the Earth,” said David Freeman, former head of the TVA Board and senior adviser to Friends of the Earth. “Our work to help the city and its ratepayers will be better because of Herman’s contributions and his leadership.”
A Memphis native, community activist and industry leader in the Mid-South, Morris brings more than 40 years of diverse legal experience and a strong track-record of service in his hometown to Friends of the Earth, a national advocacy organization of 1 million members across all 50 states working to protect the environment and create a healthier and just world.
His strong background in energy law has been recognized twice by Woodward/White, Inc. as one of “The Best Lawyers in America.” He also has extensive experience in the industry, having served as general counsel and later president and CEO of MLGW. During his tenure there, Morris successfully negotiated a $1.5 billion prepaid electric deal with the Tennessee Valley Authority, guaranteeing MLGW a 15-year discount on power cost. Further, he won the J.D. Power Award for customer satisfaction and implemented numerous programs to assist low income customers. Morris has also served as treasurer for the American Public Power Association, as a director for the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association and the Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association.
Morris holds or has held key leadership roles with community organizations such as the chairman of the Memphis Chamber of Commerce, chairman of the Memphis Branch of the NAACP and Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, in addition to leading fund-raising campaigns for the United Way of the Mid-South and the National Civil Rights Museum. Currently, he serves on the board of the Tri-State Bank of Memphis.
“We have to recognize that delivering local utilities is about more than just delivering the service, it is also about helping customers keep their cost low, so that they can afford to keep the lights on. They are key indicators of the strength and sustainability of families, communities and economies,” Morris said. “Customers who live below the poverty line pay a larger percentage of their income for utility services. But, when families can conserve energy, they save money, and ultimately gain more economic power to help build and support themselves and make a stronger city. We have a critical opportunity to do that here in Memphis and I look forward to continuing that effort with Friends of the Earth.”
For more information about Friends of the Earth, visit www.foe.org. For more information about Herman Morris, visit www.morrisfirmlaw.com.
Expert contact: Damon Moglen, (202) 222-0708, [email protected]
Communications contact: Patrick Davis, (202) 222-0744, [email protected]