Memorial Welcomes HR Vice President

Memorial Health System of East Texas welcomes Don Morris as the new system Vice President of Human Resources.

Mr. Morris comes to Lufkin from HCA-Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas, where he served as the Chief Human Resources Officer for nearly nine years. During that time, Mr. Morris was responsible for all human resources functions for 2,600 employees in a 700-bed acute care facility. He helped streamline human resources functions to better meet the needs of management and employees, helped reduce lost-time work injuries by 50 percent and lowered turnover rates.

Prior to his time in Witchita, Mr. Morris served as the director of human resources at Comanche County Memorial Hospital in Lawton, Okla., director of environmental services at Jackson County Memorial Hospital in Altus, Okla., and the assistant director of environmental services at Marriott Management Services which serviced multiple major hospitals in Oklahoma City, Okla.

Mr. Morris was a Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division in the United States Army. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Public Affairs Administration from the University of Oklahoma and a double Master’s degree in Human Resources Development and Management from Webster University.

“Following a national search for this position, we are pleased to have found someone with such an impressive resume and talent,” Memorial President and CEO Gary Looper said. “Don brings an extensive background in the health care human resources field. As one of the largest employers in Angelina County, we aim to serve our employees, and I know Don will help us in continuing that goal.”

As the Vice President of Human Resources, Mr. Morris will be in charge of developing and implementing human resources policy for the entire Memorial Health System, including recruitment, pay policies and employee benefit programs and services as well as promoting a high level of employee morale.

Mr. Morris and his wife, Carolyn will reside in Lufkin. They have two sons, Kyle, 25, and Chandler, 14.