District Digest News Stories

Morris named Nashville District Employee of the Month for January 2018

Nashville District Public Affairs
Published Feb. 26, 2018
Lisa Morris, environmental engineer at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District’s Regulatory Division, is the employee of the month for January 2018. (USACE Photo by Lee Roberts)

Lisa Morris, environmental engineer at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District’s Regulatory Division, is the employee of the month for January 2018.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 26, 2017) – Lisa Morris, environmental engineer at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District’s Regulatory Division, is the employee of the month for January 2018.

Morris is being recognized for her work in strengthening relationships with external partners and for her contributions in helping the public with permit actions.

“She is an excellent role model in providing constant feedback and acknowledgement to applicants, providing outstanding public service,” said Lt. Col. Cullen Jones, Nashville District commander.  “Ms. Morris’ efforts allow the district to execute the regulatory mission.”

Morris is a project manager in the Regulatory Division’s Western Branch and mainly reviews permit applications for work in Section 10 Waters of the U.S., which would be the Tennessee River and Cumberland River, and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. She also reviews any permit action for the deposit of fill material into any waterway within the geographical area she covers.  Waters of the U.S. include any tributaries of navigable water and adjacent wetlands of those tributaries.

Morris began working for the Corps of Engineers in 1988 and plans on retiring from federal service this summer.  Because of her experience, she is often called upon to review permit applications for the more controversial type projects.  She is also lauded for her willingness to help others in the office and for sharing her knowledge.

In fact, Tammy Turley, Regulatory Division chief, said Morris even helped her through her learning curve when she first began leading the division.

“Without even needing to ask for help, Ms. Morris stepped in and started showing me how things work and how to get things done… all the while staying fully present and not missing a beat with her own responsibilities,” Turley said.

Turley added that Morris is valuable to the organization because she is able to streamline and simplify the federal permitting process with commitment and quick thinking, and sets an excellent example, making a substantial positive impact to the team’s efficiency and productivity.

In serving the public, Morris said it doesn’t usually serve a purpose to tell someone “no.” She said she tries to suggest ways to minimize impacts, which helps applicants to achieve outcomes that lead to a successful project while at the same time mitigate environmental impacts to streams and wetlands.

“We realize that the people need their project, generally, so we are going to find the balance so that we can issue a permit for them,” Morris said.  “We get to meet with so many property owners.  We go out into the field. They come into the office.”

Morris said she is surprised by her selection for employee of the month, but is grateful for the recognition and credits the team atmosphere.

“This whole group just really works well together,” Morris said. “Everybody generally has a smile on their face and are happy to be here.”

Morris grew up in Brentwood, Tenn., and attended Franklin High School.  She graduated from Tennessee Technological University in 1985 at Cookeville, and worked with the Tennessee Department of Transportation for several years before joining the Nashville District.

In her off-time, Morris said she has used her engineering background over the years to design and construct a number of homes, and even turned an old Chevy truck into a rock crawler along with her husband Don.  Don happens to be retiring this month from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.  They met during Don’s 15 years of service in the Nashville District’s Planning Branch. She said she looks forward to spending more time with him when she retires in a few months.

Morris said she is also proud of her volunteer efforts with other employees in support of local schools and students involved with science, technology, engineering and mathematics.  She has also mentored these students on STEM career opportunities.

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