Statement on the Passing of NIRI Co-Found DeWitt "Dick" Morrill
ALEXANDRIA, VA, AUGUST 17, 2021 – NIRI: The Association for Investor Relations, today made the following statement on the passing of DeWitt “Dick” C. Morrill.
Dick Morrill, a co-founder of NIRI in 1969-70, died on August 14 at age 99. Dick was a veteran IR professional when he helped form the Investor Relations Association with eight others in New York in 1967. Among these early pioneers was the group’s president, William “Bill” Chatlos, who is believed to be the only remaining co-founder.
Within a couple years, the group soon grew to about two dozen members and Glenn Saxon, John Gearhart, Alan Singer, and others advocated that a national organization was needed to advance professionalism in IR. Most of the members of the Investor Relations Association agreed, and NIRI was formed. Dick Morrill’s signature, as Secretary of the group, appears on NIRI’s founding documents.
NIRI’s history is available in the comprehensive “Origins of NIRI,” which Dick Morrill wrote to commemorate the organization’s 25th anniversary.
“I hope you were among those fortunate enough to have met Dick in person, as many of us did during NIRI’s 2019 Annual Conference,” said NIRI President and CEO Gary LaBranche, FASAE, CAE. “He was the guest of honor during NIRI’s 50th anniversary celebration and delighted the audience of nearly 1,000 when he wished NIRI a “Happy Birthday!” Filled with warmth and sparkling wit, he took particular joy in talking with younger members, especially the members of the inaugural class “40 Under 40” class, who gave him a resounding standing ovation. It was an amazing night, one that brings tears to my eyes as I recall that special evening.
“His daughter, Judy Morrill, accompanied him on that trip two years ago, and was at his side when he passed. In sharing the news about her dad, she also shared how much that 2019 trip meant to her, and how proud he was of NIRI. I could feel that sense of pride when I spoke with Dick, but also something else. He was proud of what NIRI had become, for sure, and proud that he had something to do with its creation and development. But he was delighted that it would continue onward long after him, serving the profession he loved, supporting the IR community, and advancing knowledge and ethical practice.”
NIRI will publish a complete obituary and memorial in an upcoming issue of IR Update magazine. NIRI invites members to share personal memories and reminisces of Dick for this feature. Submissions may be made by visiting: https://www.niri.org/about-niri/dewitt-dick-morrill.aspx.
About NIRI: The Association for Investor Relations
Founded in 1969, NIRI is the professional association of corporate officers and investor relations consultants responsible for communication among corporate management, shareholders, securities analysts, and other financial community constituents. The largest professional investor relations association in the world, NIRI's more than 2,800 members represent over 1,350 publicly held companies with more than $7 trillion in stock market capitalization. Through its collaborative community, NIRI advances engagement in the capital markets and drives best practices in corporate disclosures, governance, and informed investing.
Contact : Al Rickard , 703.402.9713, arickard@niri.org