About the Author
Stephen G. Morris
Steve Morris is recognized throughout the facility management industry as one of the foremost experts in operations, process management and systems design.
Steve’s credentials include the operational development of Johnson Controls’ $1.5 billion facility management outsourcing business. Steve started with this business pre-revenue and had the responsibility for developing the technical writing, proposal development, operational design, and technical capabilities of this business. In 1993, he became the executive responsible for implementing the industry’s first broad scale outsourcing project at Ameritech, which was comprised of over 45 million square feet and included 850 employees. Later, he assumed responsibility for all technical support of Johnson Controls’ worldwide operations, which included training, safety, quality management, information systems, and communications; these responsibilities covered more than 30 countries and 12,000 employees.
In 1997 Steve joined Bob Dickhaus in co-founding Service Resources, Inc., a company originally formed to provide facility management services to large multi-site customers. Steve had responsibility for developing and implementing a service delivery platform which included a 24/7 national operation center that supported 30,000 locations, a mobile field service delivery organization of over 1,200 technicians, an EMS monitoring and control center and all the back-office processes to support a rapidly growing business. Steve, during this time also had an active role in the development of Service Resources e-commerce capabilities for the procurement of maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) parts and materials, which subsequently became FacilityPro, Inc., the leading U.S. on-line building materials supplier.
In 2003, due to his wife’s health problems, Steve started working out of his home office. He managed and wrote integrated facility management, facility operations and maintenance, and total energy services proposals, as well as operations procedures for thirty-eight outsourcing companies. This included all the major players in the market: JCI, CB Richard Ellis, EMCOR, ABM, Honeywell, Link Facility Services, TDI, ISS, ARAMARK, and many others. He managed and wrote over eight hundred proposals, operations procedures, transition plans and operations plans in this time period. Assignments included business development (proposal management and technical writing), procedures development, and transition support. Steve leveraged his over-forty years of management and executive level experience encompassing all aspects of integrated facility management (IFM) and business process outsourcing, including marketing and business development, service process engineering, IFM/ Base Operating Support Services (BOSS) operations planning and design, field operations general management, project transition/start-ups, and quality management. His proposal win rate was seventy-three percent. Steve retired in 2012 and became a full-time care giver for his wife.
Author’s ATC Record
“Airman Morris is an outstanding young airman who contributes much more to his job and the Air Force than many of his senior airmen and NCOs. I would recommend him for promotion well ahead of his contemporaries”. Major, May 1967.
“Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Morris’ performance of his varied duties, which has included long distance movement of GCA RADAR equipment, has been outstanding. His knowledge of air traffic control procedures has been invaluable in training newly assigned controllers.” Master Sergeant (MSgt), May 1968.
“SSgt Morris took charge of the local flight check of the GCA RADAR facility when he realized the local flight check pilot did not know the proper flight checking procedures. He expertly explained in detail the procedures to the flight check pilot. This enabled the flight check to be accomplished quickly, accurately and without further incident.” Technical Sergeant (TSgt), September 1968.
“SSgt Morris’ natural intelligence, innate abilities, communicative skills and professional competence make him an outstanding leader. His job prowess demands and receives the unwavering respect of his supervisors, contemporaries, and subordinates.” Master Sergeant (MSgt), April 1969.
“I have personally observed SSgt Morris daily and he is truly an outstanding air traffic controller. He possesses a high level of initiative and a keen sense of responsibilities toward all tasks undertaken by him.” 1st Lt, October 1969.
“TSgt Morris displays all the attributes of a professional and knowledgeable air traffic controller. His expertise in his profession is unquestionable. TSgt Morris is mission oriented and dedicated to the USAF. I recommend his promotion to Master Sergeant.” Colonel, October 1970.
“It is the talents and professionalism of supervisors like TSgt Morris that ensures continued outstanding air traffic control. TSgt Morris’ ability and duty performance directly contributed to the discrepancy free simulated aircraft highjack staged on 24 Aug 71. I highly recommend advancement at the earliest possible date.” Major, October 1971.
“TSgt Morris is a cool, precise, dedicated and truly professional controller. His suggestions concerning air traffic control have immeasurably aided this organization in the performance of its mission. Colonel, August 1972.
“TSgt Morris has been on duty in the control tower during many emergencies. During one specific instance, a Thai Air Force A-37 had the gear collapse during landing roll and the aircraft caught fire. TSgt Morris took the appropriate action to limit damage to the aircraft. He also instructed the two pilots to evacuate the aircraft, probably saving their lives when it appeared the pilots did not see the fire.” Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt), January 1973.
“TSgt Morris is one of my most valuable controllers. His performance as crew chief is outstanding and his decisions and leadership abilities have contributed greatly to making this squadron the best in the Tactical Communications Area. MSgt, August 1974.
“That TSgt Morris has been selected to be part of a small percentage of controllers dual qualified in both the Tower and RAPCON is indicative of his capabilities and the trust placed in him by his supervisors.” Captain, June 1975.
“TSgt Morris is one of the very best NCOs in this branch. He not only has an extremely broad understanding of air traffic control, but he is also willing to work hard to put this knowledge to effective use. His exceptional performance and involvement resulted in his selection as the 1908 Communications Squadron nominee for the AFCS Air Traffic Controller of the Year Award for 1975.” Captain, June 1976.
“MSgt Morris is an NCO that fully recognizes and accepts his heavy responsibilities as an air traffic controller and supervisor. His calm, unhurried manner, use of excellent control techniques and ability to consistently make good, sound decisions, have elevated him to the highly complex position of Training and Standardization NCO.” SMSgt, October 1976.
“MSgt Morris is one of the most outstanding Senior NCOs that I have known. During a base training inspection in November, Sgt Morris was cited by the inspector as having the best training program on the base and probably the best in Tactical Air Command (TAC).” Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt), December 1976.
“MSgt Stephen G. Morris is without question one of the most outstanding NCOs and individuals in the enlisted ranks of the United States Air Force. His knowledge of Air Traffic Control procedures and associated equipment is equaled only by his ability as a manager and supervisor.” SMSgt, March 1977.
“On a recent visit to England AFB, members of my ATC staff were especially impressed by the quality of the air traffic control Training and Standardization Program at England. MSgt Morris has discharged his responsibilities in an outstanding manner.” Colonel, May 1977.
CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF THE MERITORIS SERVICE MEDAL TO STEPHEN G. MORRIS
“Master Sergeant Stephen G. Morris distinguished himself in the performance of outstanding service to the United States as Air Traffic Control Technician, Tower, Crew Chief, Tower, Crew Chief, Radar Approach Control, and Training and Standardization Specialist, 1908th Communications Squadron, England AFB, Louisiana, from 17 August 1973 to 2 May 1977. During this period, his outstanding efforts and devotion to duty were instrumental in achieving excellent rapport with Base flying organizations and the civilian flying community, and in greatly improving the safety and efficiency of air traffic control at England Air Force Base and the surrounding area. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Morris reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.”
“MSgt Morris is a real pro. His dealings with the FAA and Air Staff on controller certification issues clearly demonstrate his ability to work in any arena. This command can point with pride to his accomplishments. His recent selection for promotion to SMSgt is surely recognition of his fine track record. Select for the USAF Senior NCO Academy in residence and keep him moving.” Brigadier General, September 1979.
“Steve is one of my top NCOs. He manages two of my most visible programs, hazardous air traffic reports and aircraft mishaps. He prepares excellent daily summaries of each, and for the more complex or controversial incidents, briefs the commander. He is a super all around individual as evidenced by his selection for promotion to senior master sergeant. Promote to chief master sergeant.” Colonel, April 1980.
I know Sergeant Morris well – the quality of his staff work, his ability to think on his feet, and his communicative skills – he is among the top NCOs in the air traffic control career field. Promote to chief master sergeant.” Brigadier General, June 1980.
CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF THE MERITORIS SERVICE MEDAL TO STEPHEN G. MORRIS (FIRST OAK LEAF CLUSTER)
Senior Master Sergeant Stephen G. Morris distinguished himself in the performance of outstanding service to the United States as an Air Traffic Control Support and Procedures Superintendent while assigned to the Directorate of Air Traffic Control Operations, Deputy Chief of Staff, Air Traffic Services, Headquarters Air Force Communications Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, from 17 May 1977 to 15 May 1980. During this period, his management of the Air Traffic Control Facility and Controller of the Year Program and the Aircraft “Save” Award Program contributed greatly to the recognition and morale of controllers worldwide while his suggestions and inputs to the Air Force Aircraft Mishap and Hazardous Air Traffic Report Program significantly enhanced overall aviation safety. His professional diversity is best exemplified by his spearheading a total revision of the directive for the air traffic control training and certification program. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Morris reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
“The USAFE IG cited SMSgt Morris for “exceptional overall ATC management which resulted in effective support of the mission” and for being keenly aware of problems associated with the lack of permanently assigned aircraft” at Aviano. He’s the type of NCO our young airmen need today. Promote!” Brigadier General, May 1981.
“I see SMSgt Morris’ high quality staff work weekly, in analysis of aircraft incidents, aircraft mishaps/accidents and proposed solutions, for all USAFE and Europe. Unit performance briefings he’s prepared really measure the pulse of my units. Excellent staff work. Promote to CMSgt”. Brigadier General, January 1983.
CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF THE AIR FORCE COMMENDATION MEDAL TO STEPHEN G. MORRIS
Senior Master Sergeant Stephen G. Morris distinguished himself by meritorious service as Air Traffic Control Operations Superintendent, Headquarters, European Communications Division, Air Force Communications Command, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, from 3 June 1982 to 30 June 1984. During this period, his outstanding professional skill, technical competence, and dedication to the wartime readiness of the United States Air Forces Europe greatly enhanced the role and mission of air traffic control. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Morris culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
FAA Over the Shoulder Evaluation. Position relief briefing accurate and concise. Mr. Morris worked a combination of F-106 recoveries and helicopter traffic in a very professional manner. Mr. Morris worked both fighter and helicopter traffic while issuing VFR traffic advisories to other traffic operating in proximity to the ATA. Overall performance very professional and business like. FAA Examiner, May 1986.