Our next Employee Spotlight shines extra bright on a dedicated member of our team who is also a dedicated member of his local community.

Marvin Morris, Area Manager for Memphis, has seen many dark days before that light beamed. At the tender age of only 13 years old, he lost his 16-year old brother to a shooting incident.

Yet he somehow managed to turn that experience around and became determined to succeed. A few years later, Morris became the first one in his family to go to college on a full scholarship. Then, after also accepting an army scholarship, he won various awards for military service.

For Morris, the military fulfilled his passion to serve his country. Consequently, this experience also inspired him to continue serving his local community. "Whatever I could do to defer people from experiencing loss and not having family support, that's what motivates me," explains Morris.

Since then, Morris has worked and/or volunteered for non-profit organizations. Last year, for example, he joined Urban Connected Atlanta, a non-profit that feeds over 300 families per month.

His background and experience caught the eye of Ron Davis, Vice President of HR. Soon thereafter, Morris was recruited for the role of General Manager at Economy Hotel Atlanta in July, and then transferred to Area Manager for Memphis in October.

"He motivates and mentors our guests and employees," said Davis. "He's an advocate for the people and inspires them to be a better version of themselves."

Morris confirms that his passion to serve the community and career aspirations continue to align. "It's a big deal knowing that you're helping people achieve sustainability, where housing is one of the least of their concerns," said Morris.



In his spare time, one can find Morris continuing to serve with Urban Connected in southeast Atlanta, finding joy in bringing nourishment, mentorship, and dignity to those who often fall short of the bare essentials, such as food and security.