IOR welcomes Dave Morris, longtime leader with YMCA

Dave Morris, a local leader with the YMCA, has joined the Idaho Office for Refugees as Resettlement Services Manager. In his new role, Morris will work closely with resettlement agency partners and support frontline work with refugees.  

Morris developed a passion for community service through a 23-year career in YMCA leadership, most recently as executive director of the Downtown Boise YMCA. He’s no stranger to the local refugee community. At the Y, Morris organized Welcoming Week events, connected refugee community members with opportunities to become members, and worked with refugee resettlement organizations to support youth programming.   

“In my work with our community’s refugee support agencies over the years, what I experienced again and again was a strong shared desire to improve the lives of others and make this world better for everyone,” Morris said. “I want to see Idaho as a welcoming place for everybody, and the Idaho Office for Refugees really does a lot to further that cause.”  

At the Idaho Office for Refugees, Morris will replace Christina Bruce-Bennion, who in October became executive director of the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights after serving in resettlement for more than two decades.   

“Dave brings a problem-solving mindset paired with a deep compassion for all people,” said Tara Wolfson, director of the Idaho Office for Refugees. "He knows how to work together toward a shared vision and have fun along the way.”  

Originally from Michigan, Morris has lived in Idaho since 2013. He received a bachelor’s in history from Eastern Michigan University and a master’s in exercise physiology from the University of Michigan.    
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Outside of work, when Morris is not spending time with his wife and two children, who are both in college, he loves to ride his mountain bike across the Boise front. Little known fact: Morris spent 10 years as a professional harmonica player.  ​