Steven Morrison: premium leadership.

• Author: Kinder, Peri
• Position: Spotlight

At one point in his life, Steven Morrison considered a career as a medical doctor but was talked out of it by his father, who was an ear, nose and throat specialist. His father told Morrison the medical field was getting too socialized and insurance companies were extremely difficult to work with. Ironically, Morrison now heads EMI Health, formely Educators Mutual Insurance Association (EMIA), one of the leading benefits providers in Utah.

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Morrison stepped into EMI Health's CEO position after Andy Galano announced his retirement last spring. The nonprofit organization has been providing health, dental and vision benefits to Utah educators since 1935 and has recorded tremendous growth during that time.

As a CPA, Morrison was hired as EMI Health's director of internal audit in 2001 and advanced to vice-president of marketing in 2003. He moved into the position of executive vice president of sales and marketing in 2005 and now oversees the company, which services more than 400 organizations.

"I'm well-rounded," Morrison says. "When I told people I was a CPA and I was over the sales department, they just couldn't believe it. It's been a great learning experience, plus you develop great relationships."

And relationships are the core of EMI Health's success. As a local company, Morrison says it provides quick responses on claims, prompt payments and great customer service. There's also direct access to the CEO at any time.

The Weber State graduate believes providing educators with the best benefits helps offset the low salaries most educators are paid. EMI Health provides insurance to many public service and government offices, public schools and higher education institutions such as Utah Valley University and Southern Utah University.

Morrison is watching the national health care scene closely, waiting to see how the new reforms will affect business. But he is...