National Disability Institute (NDI) announced today that Michael Morris will transition from Executive Director effective November 20, 2019. Mr. Morris is founder of NDI and has led the organization with vision and passion as its Executive Director since 2005, stewarding its growth as a national leader for research, policy development and programs that drive financial inclusion for the disability community. Mr. Morris has decided that NDI’s strong leadership position in the disability and financial communities makes this an auspicious time for his transition, affording him more time to deal with health challenges.
Mr. Morris will remain as a Senior Strategic Advisor with NDI on a part-time basis. He will focus particularly on the ABLE National Resource Center (ABLE NRC) and the Center for Disability-Inclusive Community Development (CDICD).
NDI’s Board of Directors unanimously voted to name Deputy Director, Elizabeth Jennings, as the Interim Acting Executive Director during the transition period. Ms. Jennings has been an important leader at NDI since 2008, serving as NDI Deputy Director for the last five years.
A national search is being conducted for Mr. Morris’s successor led by Board Chair Janet Hamer, former long-term staff member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, and Board Vice Chair Oscar Jimenez-Solomon, Research Scientist at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
“The history of NDI is an extraordinary legacy of accomplishments that has brought new understanding and activity between the financial and disability communities,” said Mr. Morris. “The pioneering work of NDI staff and board members, in collaboration with funders, government at all levels and communities nationwide, has put a spotlight on the financial status and financial behavior of people with disabilities, particularly on the economic challenges they face and the creation of new pathways to advance greater financial health, stability and well-being.”
“We’re so grateful for the contributions Michael has made in leading NDI in the financial inclusion of people with disabilities,” said Ms. Hamer. “We are pleased he still will be working with us on key initiatives such as ABLE implementation and inclusive community development.”
“I’m grateful for the overwhelming support of the Board and staff as we continue NDI’s pioneering activities,” said Ms. Jennings. “NDI has thrived under Michael’s visionary leadership and the talented NDI team will continue to support the organization’s mission and its culture of collaborative innovation.”
Questions about the search process for Mr. Morris’s successor should be directed to Janet Hamer, Chair, Search Committee at janetrhodeshamer@gmail.com.
