Background

Scott Morris has over twenty years of experience in business management and operations. He has been employed by the University of Illinois since 1986, except for 4 years (from 2001-2005) during which time he worked for a faculty startup company that spun out of the University. His University experience has included business management for four academic and research units, with his current position being that of Operations Manager for the School of Earth, Society, and Environment.

His past evaluation work, consulting, entrepreneurial intesrests, and position as past President and Trustee for a municipality have given him additional knowledge and experiences that are not afforded most persons in his field.

In addition to his work experience, Scott has been past Director for the Pesotum Athletic Association, is the current and founding President of Unity Little League, and has been involved in coaching youth basketball and baseball.

Current Major Projects


Tolono Park District

May - July 2009

I just finished a project for the Tolono Park District to develop and submit a proposal for the Ilinois Department of Natural Resources' (IDNR) Open Space Lands Acquisition & Development (OSLAD) program for the development of East Side Park. This is a 6.5 acre parcel of land was acquired in 2004 through the IDNR Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) program. I developed a 5-Year Comprehensive Plan for the Park Board to facilitate this proposal, as well as provide short and long-term strategic planning. In addition, I have assisted them with conducting ADA and Non-discrimination assessments of existing facilities and operations, leading to the design of resolutions and policies adopted by the Park Board. I have also led an open meeting to present the 5-Year Comprehensive Plan and the preliminary East Side Park development plan for public feedback. We are currently awaiting reviews and anticipated a responce to the proposal in the Fall of 2009.

Current & Past Projects and Clients



Village of Pesotum

May 2005 - Present

Provide website development and maintenance, and computer support services including hardware and software support and networking.

 
State of Illinos Business Enterprise Program for the Blind

Sep 2005 - Dec 2008

Provided monthly financial reporting in special format for blind vendors regsitered with the State of Illinois, Department of Rehabilitation Services BEPB. One vendor was located in Springfield and the other in Champaign, Illinois, and each operated vending machines located in various businesses and government buildings.

Clients:
Cumberland Trail Enterprises - Springfield, IL
Michael Champion Enterprises, Inc - Chmpaign, IL


National Science Foundation Industry/University
Coopertive Research Center Program

Aug 1994 - Jan 2002

For each Center provided evaluation services to ensure that operations were consistent with NSF guidelines. Participated in all Advisory Board Meetings, planning meetings, and any other functions that required my attention. Assisted the Center Directors with any needs they may have with regard to Center administration, and acted as liaison between the Center and Industry Representatives. Conducted surveys and provided annual reports to NSF regarding Center activities, and participated in semi-annual meetings in Washington DC with NSF and other Center evaluators, at which time we discussed general policy issues, reports, and research related to the evaluation process.

Clients:
Ohio University, Corrorion in Multiphase Systems Center - Athens, OH
Ohio State University, Center for Advanced Polymer & Composite Engineering, Columbus, OH

 
Other Past Clients

Xindium Technologies, Inc.- Champaign, IL
Responsible for establishing and maintaining all business and financial operations of the company, as well as provide facilities management and assistance with business planning. This includes budgets, financial statements & reports, financial accounting, assistance with tax and audit preparation, risk management, computer hardware and software support, human resources, patents and trademarks tracking, various contracts and agreements, fixed asset management, corporate office and R&D office and lab facilities management, telecommunications, and all other business functions. Later hired as the company's Operations Manager.

Bass Pro Shops - Gurnee, IL
Develop multi-department sales and financial worksheets for use at the new store at Gurnee Mill, Illinois using Lotus 1.2.3 version 5.0 as specified by the client.

Ace Heating & Air Conditioning of Illinois - Tolono, IL
Developed business plan guidance for a startup company.

Take No. 3 Productions, Inc.
Provided business guidance and development of independent contractor agreements for a startup media design company.

Distance Learning USA - Teutopolis, IL
Conducted research and developed a full technical proposal and budgets for a research proposal under the U.S. Department of Education, Small Business Innovative Research Program. This project was for "Development of Multimedia and Web-Based Distance Learning Systems for Application of Post-secondary Knowledge and Experience to Programs of Higher Education." This proposal was provided for a startup company and was to study screen layout and design for online testing and how it affects knowledge retention for distance learning programs.

The Other Guys - Urbana, IL
Developed database for tracking customers and sales, and provided order fulfillment services for the distribution of CDs and videos for a men's acapella vocal group at the University of Illinois .

Past Website Clients:
Ohio University, Corrosion In Multiphase Systems Center - Athens, OH
Outback Lotto Club - Teutopolis, IL
First Christian Church - Tuscola IL
Pesotum Athletic Association - Pesotum, IL