NCH Healthcare System CEO receives LIFE Award

His parents always made sure he got the basics necessary to make his way in the world: a strong work ethic, a good education and a sense of right and wrong.

He got all of them through the years -- and along the way he picked up some of his own principles, many based on the philosophy of Thomas Jefferson, his role model and hero.

The combination must have worked for Edward A. Morton.

He's running Collier County's primary hospital and health care system, and now he's been given Edison Community College's highest community honor: the Holland T. Salley Leadership in Fostering Education, or LIFE, Award.

He had no idea he was even considered.

"I am merely trying to do my job, which is fostering a community and corporate culture predicated upon learning," Morton said.

In his typical modest fashion, he said he's only worked at two places: Naples Community Healthcare System (31 years) and the U.S. Army (3 years).

But the search committee that selected Morton looked beyond his employment history in deciding to choose him for Edison's 2004 LIFE Award, said Maureen McClintock, the college's district director for institutional advancement.

"Nominations were submitted to a subgroup of LIFE Award Luncheon Planning Committee members in four categories," McClintock said. "He was nominated in all four."

Morton, 56, chief executive officer of NCH Healthcare System, has done a lot since he left Islamorada and Miami.

He holds an MBA degree from the University of Miami, a Master of Accountancy Program and Tax Law from Florida International University, and a bachelor of science degree in public and managerial accounting from the University of Notre Dame.

He joined NCH in 1972 as chief financial officer.

In 1999 he was promoted to chief operating officer and, in October 2000, to CEO.

Morton has been active in community organizations and boards. He is a member of the Florida Gulf Coast Board of Trustees, a member and former chairman of the FGCU Foundation Board of Directors, a member of the Eagle Scout Selection Committee and director of the Economic Development Council of Collier County, among other positions.

He's known for his passion for education and health, which, McClintock said, propelled him to the top of the list for the LIFE Award.

"Mr. Morton is an ardent supporter of education at all levels, personally and through his leadership of the NCH Healthcare System," McClintock said. "He is passionate about school and community health, evidenced through support of important programs such as the Fun Time Early Childhood Development Center, School Nurse Program and Neighborhood Health Clinic."

From Edison's perspective, Morton spearheaded an initiative to address the nursing shortage in Collier County by offering Edison's nursing program at Naples Community Hospital, with 140 employees and community members currently enrolled.

Kim Long, a member of the Edison District Board of Trustees and a member of the LIFE Award Committee, said Ed Morton and NCH have always surfaced as supportive of the public school system and higher education, especially in the area of training more nurses and other essential medical personnel.

"I am especially appreciative of Ed's willingness to support and partner with Fun Time, where I am also a board member," Long said. "NCH has guaranteed slots in the new facility, provided flu shots to the staff, recruited the director of pediatrics, and recently he agreed to help provide sick care for Fun Time's students."

Morton said all he wants is to do what he can to make Collier an educated, healthy community.

"I am convinced that all citizens of this nation are entitled to ... a good public (and affordable) education," he said. "I also believe that those fortunate enough to benefit from education have an ethical responsibility to see that this opportunity is extended to the next generation. Thomas Jefferson felt that the sovereignty of this nation was kept safe only in the mind of the people. ... I am merely following in his footsteps to the extent that I can."

The LIFE Award was established last spring by the Edison Community College Foundation Inc. as a tribute to Holland T. Salley, a longtime Edison benefactor and education supporter, interior designer and businessman. Salley received the first LIFE Award.

The celebratory luncheon for the 2004 LIFE Award is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Feb. 26 at the Registry Resort in Naples, when the award will be presented to Morton.

Proceeds from the event will benefit students at Edison's Collier campus.

For information on event sponsorships and luncheon reservations, call the Edison Foundation Office at (239) 732-1728.