As a Twig is Bent So Grows The Tree.

Ed Morton, one of Naples most selfless citizens, is not only a product of this proverb but has applied it to his professional and philanthropic life in everything he has undertaken since arriving in our community in 1972.

Growing up in a strong Catholic family and attending Catholic high school, Ed was taught there is more to life than academics and that focusing on improving human dignity is a true calling. He grew up in Islamorada, Fl where Ed’s dad, a retired New York City cop ran a small trading post and was a commercial fisherman, and his mom was a homemaker. From this family tree, Ed’s parents helped shape his and his sister’s lives, motivating them to be known for doing something for others rather than focusing on themselves.

Ed attended the University of Notre Dame and received a degree in Public and Managerial Accounting. While he later went on to receive an MBA and MS in health science, it was his skill in auditing that brought him to Naples Community Hospital (NCH) in 1972 as CFO, COO and, ultimately, CEO from 2000-2006. He was known at NCH for his team-building and empowerment of all employees. He valued the work of cleaning people, nurses, and doctors equally. “Everyone’s role is critical to the operation” was his mantra, and he showed that by doing away with private parking, special foods and eliminating fancy board rooms. Under his leadership, the hospital and its employees thrived.

After retiring from NCH, Ed joined the financial firm of Wasmer Schroeder as a partner where he remained until the firm was acquired by Charles Schwab in 2020. Today, he is a board member of a private equity group.

Ed’s volunteer record is immense when it comes to non-profit service in Naples and the state. A few of his major positions include serving as chairman of the Naples Area Chamber of Commerce, vice chair of FGCU, director of the Cancer Alliance of Naples, chairman of Leadership Partners in Education (Champions for Learning), chairman elect of the David Lawrence Centers, multiple terms as director of Moorings Park, and Governor of the State University System, which during his tenure became the #1 university system in the country, according to US News & World Report. Ed also served his country as an active-duty captain in the U.S. Army from 1969-1972.

Ed’s passion is education and says, “The power of education provides the tools that allow us to be more productive. The decision by Florida to empower parents with the financial needs they need to make decisions on how their children will be educated is monumental. Competition in education is good and the more the better.”

Ed has been married to his wife Linda for 54 years and together they raised four great children and enjoy six grandchildren.

Ed often speaks of civitas, which means a sense of belonging to a community of citizens. He has done much to lift up Naples, and we are truly blessed to have him belong to us.

Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse the opinions or services of Edward Morton or the above organizations.