Bevilton E.J. Morris, a leader in the finance, risk technology and international management arenas and an alumnus of Suffolk University’s Sawyer Business School, has been elected as a charter University trustee by the Suffolk University Board. 

Morris brings to Suffolk more than 20 years of cross-industry experience in helping financial clients innovate and maintain a competitive edge, most recently as principal with Ernst & Young USA. He has also been a leader in championing diversity and inclusion within organizations and in developing and mentoring talent.

“Bevilton Morris embodies the Suffolk story,” said Board Chair Bob Lamb. “He and his wife, Joanna, managed to earn their MBAs from the Sawyer Business School, in sequence, while working and raising four children. He brings exceptional professional experience and a global perspective to the Suffolk board. Bevilton’s personal story of how Suffolk University changed his life and his enduring commitment to helping others achieve a better life will provide a great perspective to the board and its deliberations.”

Morris earned his Suffolk MBA in 1995, and Joanna Morris received hers in 2003.

Morris, who hails from the Caribbean nation of Dominica, has worked in countries around the world. Most recently he led the finance and risk management middle-to-back-office technology domain in Ernst & Young’s Wealth & Asset Management Practice. His industry experience over more than two decades includes international management in finance transformation, finance architecture, compliance, risk management, and process redesign and optimization. He previously worked for PWC, Polaroid, Boston Scientific, Mellon Bank and Bank of Boston.

He credits his Suffolk experience and MBA with playing a role in his success.

“Suffolk is very special to me,” Morris said. “I would not be where I am today without the hands-on education that I received from Suffolk during my MBA. Suffolk has always been about providing opportunity, and I believe it has a unique opportunity to be the school of opportunity for inner-city kids and first-generation college grads. Suffolk can also be a leader in championing diversity and inclusion.”

Morris has been a strong advocate for his native Dominica and its people and serves on the board of the non-profit Boston for Dominica. He has embarked on fundraising relief efforts to help the island with its recovery in the wake of Hurricane Maria last year.

He has been involved with diversity and inclusion efforts at numerous firms, including Ernst & Young. Morris has been active with the National Association of Black Accountants and the National Black MBA Association. He is a member of Faith Christian Church, Boston, where he currently serves on the board of directors. He has been a mentor to young people and was active in Randolph Youth Soccer. Suffolk University recently honored Morris at its Celebration of Black Excellence Dinner with its Outstanding Alumni Award for the Sawyer Business School.

“Bevilton Morris shares Suffolk University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, and to providing opportunity to people from all walks of life,” said Suffolk University President Marisa Kelly. “He is a natural mentor and coach, and he believes in the power of education to uplift lives. We are very fortunate that he will bring that commitment and his international perspective and experience to the Suffolk board.”