James T. Morris  

He in 2007 he was named speacial advisor to the chief executive officer and president of Pacers Sports & Entertainment.

James T. Morris became the tenth Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme at the beginning of April 2002 and completed duties in 2007.

As head of WFP, Mr Morris oversees the world's largest food aid organization, which last year fed 104 million people in 81 countries with new contributions totalling US$2.6 billion. WFP reaches out to hungry people who cannot help themselves -- victims of war and natural disasters, families affected by HIV/AIDS and orphans who have lost their parents to the pandemic, and school children in poor communities.

In July 2002, Mr Morris was appointed UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Special Envoy for Humanitarian Needs in Southern Africa, a region which continues to be gripped by a major food emergency. In 2003, he successfully guided the World Food Programme in carrying out the largest humanitarian operation in history, feeding 27 million Iraqis. WFP's funding and operations have grown to unprecedented levels as a res ult of the Iraq crisis as well as chronic food shortages in sub-Saharan Africa and North Korea.

For over 35 years, Mr Morris has combined a distinguished career of business, philanthropic and humanitarian leadership with a personal life of public service.

Both his career and his voluntary activities have reflected a commitment to improving the lives of others with a special interest in young people at risk and giving something back to his city, his country and the international community.

Earlier in his career, he joined American Fletcher National Bank in Indianapolis, then moved to the Indianapolis mayor's office in 1967 serving as Richard Lugar's administrative assistant and chief of staff.

Mr Morris moved to the Lilly Endowment, Inc. in 1973. He began as director of community development for the Endowment, one of the world's largest charitable foundations. Mr Morris moved to vice president, executive vice president and then president, and served in that role for six years, until 1989.

Mr Morris then became chairman and chief executive officer of IWC Resources Corporation and Indianapolis Water Company. Under his leadership, IWC grew to a m ulti-million dollar holding company with 2,500 employees. At the same time, he enhanced employee development through recognition programs, diversification, human relations and educational opportunities. Morris joined the board of Clarian Health Partners, the state's largest health care system and served a four-year term which began Aug. 23, 2001.

While serving in these leadership roles and on several corporate boards, Mr Morris has carved time out of this already busy sched ule for volunteer activities. He was was a member of the Board of Governors of the American Red Cross, and was chairman of the Board of Trustees of Indiana State University. He has served on the board of trustees of the YWCA and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes; YMCA, Boy Scouts of America, United Way of Central Indiana, Salvation Army, Goodwill Industries.

He is the on board of directors of the Indianapolis Urban League. Mr. Morris joined the Indiana Historical Society Board in 2008. Indianapolis Symphony Orhcestra for 2008-2009. He currently serves as honorary chair of the International Alliance to End Hunger. He is an elder of the Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, Ind. He has contributed time and guidance to many civic and community organizations.

He was appointed by President George Bush to serve on the Commission on Environment for the Americas.

Morris is founder and director of the Indiana Sports Corporation, which spearheaded strategy to promote Indianapolis as the 'Amateur Sports Capital of the World.' He served as treasurer of the United States Olympic Committee and as chairman of the audit and ethics committee and also was chairman of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Foundation Board of Directors.

Morris earned his BA in Political Science from Indiana University, 1965 and an MBA from Butler University, 1970. In 2001 he received the IU Kelly School of Business alumni award of Academy of Alumni Fellows. He received numerous awards and honors, such as the Ellis Island Medal of Freedom. He is an inductee of the Central Indiana Business Hall of Fame He has received 12 honorary doctorate degrees, including one from Franklin College.

On Saturday, May 5, 2007, Morris received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from University of Indianapolis and was the commencement speaker.

Anderson University on May 10, 2009 awarded James T. Morris with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree and was the commencement speaker.

In Feb. 2009 it was announced that he will serve as a co-chair of Indiana University Bloomington's Matching the Promise fundraising campaign. He has has served as an IU Trustee & chairman of the Board and has been a member of the IU Foundation Board of Directors since 1998>

On May 23, 2009 Hanover College, will confer upon Morris the honorary degree, doctor of humane letters and he will be the speaker at the 176th commencement.

Morris is married to Jacqueline Harrell Morris. They have three children and four grandchildren.