Morris Smith is Vice President of Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability at Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, showcasing his unwavering commitment to excellence and community. Based in Dallas, Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages is one of the largest Coca-Cola bottlers in the United States, and Morris stands at the helm of its communications, public affairs, and sustainability endeavors.
Morris's role encompasses a wide array of responsibilities. He manages internal and external communications, public affairs, issues management, stakeholder strategy, beverage and trade association relationships, crisis management, community engagement strategies, and executive communications. His leadership impacts 27 markets across Texas, Oklahoma, and parts of New Mexico and Arkansas, ensuring the company's voice is clear, strong, and consistent.
Morris's dedication and impact have received extensive recognition. He has received prestigious honors such as the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boys and Girls Club Legacy Award, the YMCA Black and Hispanic Achievers Award, Dollars, and Cents Magazine's Best and Brightest Business Professional Men and Women Award, and the Chicago Defender Men of Excellence Award. Additionally, he has been named one of the Top 50 Black Professionals of Texas.
Morris's influence extends beyond his corporate role into significant community involvement. He has served as the Chairman of the Board for 100 Black Men of Chicago, a Board Member of PUSH-EXCEL, and a former Board Member of the William A. Lawson Institute for Peace and Prosperity, Houston Children's Charity. He is also Chair of the Houston Area Urban League Equal Opportunity Day Gala. Morris has helped these organizations raise well over one million dollars through his efforts as a board member.
Educationally, Morris is a proud graduate of Valparaiso University and holds an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. He and his wife, Toni Mooney Smith, call Houston home, where they attend Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church.