EDUCATION
Northeastern University, D.LP.,
Doctor of Law and Policy (2022)
Princeton Theological Seminary, M. Div., Social Ethics and Public Policy Concentration (1998)
Morehouse College, B.A., Religion and Society (1995)
SELECTED TRUSTEE AND BOARD MEMBERSHIPS
National Urban League, Board of Trustees, Senior Vice Chair
National Action Network Board of Directors, Member
PGA REACH Board of Trustees, Member
Rainbow PUSH Board of Directors, Member
Miles College Board of Trustees, Member
Life Pieces to Masterpieces Board of Trustees, Member
Sunshine Enterprises, Board of Directors, Member
Foundation for Progress in Journalism, Board of Directors, Member
MEDIA INQUIRIES
For media inquiries, please contact:
Rosemary Staltare
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Lamell McMorris believes the first phase of life is about success. The second is about significance. That belief is the foundation of Phase 2 Consulting™, a Washington, D.C.–based strategic advisory firm that helps organizations align purpose with performance.
As Founder and CEO, Dr. McMorris leads a firm trusted by Fortune 100 companies, nonprofit organizations, and public sector leaders to navigate complex challenges, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and drive measurable impact. The firm specializes in government relations, public affairs, crisis management, corporate social responsibility, and grassroots advocacy, with deep expertise across sectors including energy, financial services, and telecommunications.
Known for his ability to build coalitions and influence at the highest levels, Dr. McMorris brings decades of experience across government affairs, strategic consulting, and community engagement. His work is grounded in one principle: organizations that engage authentically and strategically with communities outperform those that do not.
In addition to his advisory work, Dr. McMorris is the best-selling author of The Power to Persist and host of a nationally recognized podcast exploring resilience and leadership with today’s most influential voices. His frameworks and workshops help leaders navigate change, sharpen focus, and build resilience in high-pressure environments.
His experience spans both the public and private sectors. In addition to leading Phase 2 Consulting™, he has served as Principal and Head of Regulatory and Government Affairs at Edward Jones, where he led enterprise-level policy initiatives. Earlier in his career, he represented professional athletes and officials across the NFL, NBA, and Major League Baseball, negotiating complex, high-stakes agreements.
He is also the founder of Greenlining Realty® USA, a mission-driven development firm revitalizing underserved communities, beginning with his hometown of Woodlawn, Chicago.
Dr. McMorris serves on multiple nonprofit and academic boards, including the National Urban League Board of Trustees and PGA REACH. He holds a Doctorate in Law and Policy from Northeastern University, a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Arts from Morehouse College.
SELECTED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
• Edward Jones, Principal, Head of Regulatory and Government Affairs, 2021-2024
• Greenlining Realty USA, Founding Principal, est. 2016-Current
• Phase 2 Consulting (formerly Perennial Strategy Group), Founder CEO, est. 2002
• Perennial Sports & Perennial Law Group, Founder and CEO, 2004-2017
• Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Executive Director and COO, 2001
• Redeem the Dream March on Washington, DC, National Coordinator, 2000
• Chicago Urban League, Youth Development Initiative, Director, 1998
BUSINESS & CIVIC ASSOCIATIONS
• City of Miami, Virginia Key Advisory Board, Member
• Lyft Chicago City Works Council, Member
• Cook County Complete Count Census Commission, Commissioner
• American Red Cross, National Diversity Advisory Council, Chairman Emeritus
• American Heart Association, Greater Miami/ Ft. Lauderdale Board, Former Member
• Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Member
• Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Life Member
• Morehouse College National Alumni Association, Member
• Chicago 2016 Olympic Bid Committee, Member
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Member
• Washington Government Relations Group, Member
• Washington Board of Trade, Member
PHILANTHROPY & ADVOCACY
• Pete for America 2020 Presidential Campaign, National Co-Chair
• PGA REACH Board of Trustees, Member
• Miles College Board of Trustees, Member
• National Urban League Board of Trustees, Member
• National Action Network Board of Directors, Member
• Rainbow PUSH Board of Directors, Member
• Foundation for Progress in Journalism, Member of the Board
• Sunshine Enterprises Board of Directors, Member
• The Crisis Publishing Company Board of Directors, Member
• Life Pieces to Masterpieces Board of Trustees, Member
• NAACP, Diamond Life Member
• Morehouse College Board of Trustees, Former Member
• NAACP National Board of Directors, Former Member
• Elmhurst College Board of Trustees, Former Member
SELECTED HONORS & AWARDS
• StreetWise & The Kaden's Family Foundation, 20 Most Inspiring Chicagoans of 2020
• National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, President’s Circle Leadership Award, 2018
• DC Promise Neighborhood Initiative, Making a Difference Award, 2017
• Saint Augustine’s University, Honorary Doctorate, 2017
• Piney Woods School Commencement Ceremony, Keynote Speaker, 2017
• Aqua Foundation for Women, Aqua Ally Award, 2017
• Washington Government Relations Group, President’s Award for Career Achievement, 2013
• National Action Network, Keepers of the Dream Entrepreneurial Award, 2011
• Morehouse College, Homecoming Crown Forum, Keynote Speaker, 2011
• Children’s National Medical Center, Serving the Nation’s Children Award, 2011
• Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Remembrance Event Keynote Speaker, 2008