Life Care Centers of America, a nationwide skilled nursing and rehab company, appointed Latessa Morris as vice president of its Eastern Division.

In this position, Ms. Morris now oversees Life Care’s 41 facilities in Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky and Virginia. Morris began her new duties on Feb. 1.

Beecher Hunter, Life Care president, said, “Latessa Morris is a gifted individual with extraordinary leadership capabilities, driven by a heart full of compassion for people, making her an excellent fit for this role.”

Bart Walker, Life Care’s senior vice president of operations, said, “She has been a leader and an agent of change from the time she entered the administrator-in-training program to her most recent role as the vice president of the River Region. She is skilled at managing the details and motivating any team she is a part of. Her commitment to patient care and positive outcomes makes her the perfect choice.”

“I took this position to ensure that the residents in each of our facilities receive the best care possible,” said Ms. Morris. “Our mission and focus is resident-centered and driven by associate support. I believe in following the golden rule, treating others as we would like to be treated.”

As regional vice president, Ms. Morris oversaw eight skilled nursing and rehab centers in Tennessee. She won Life Care’s 2011 Chairman’s Award for continuing to care for residents in person rather than delegating tasks. In this role, she also developed a successful initiative to streamline facility departments and eliminate unnecessary duties.

Before taking the lead in the River Region, Ms. Morris served as executive director at Life Care Center of Crossville, Tn. The building won the Facility of the Year Award for the Eastern Division in 2010 under her leadership.

Ms. Morris also served as executive director at Life Care Center of Centerville, Tn. She completed her administrator-in-training program at Life Care Center of Collegedale, Tn., in 2006.

Originally from Sparta, Tn., Ms.  Morris began her career in long-term care at Life Care Center of Sparta, serving as a certified nursing assistant and then as business office administrative assistant. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville.

Ms. Morris was named to Who’s Who Among Women Business Executives in 2008 and 2010. She won several accolades at Life Care Center of Sparta, including 2005 CNA of the Year and monthly Whatever It Takes customer service awards in 2002 and 2005.

Ms. Morris and her husband, Jake, currently reside in Sparta. She will be working out of the Eastern Division office on Keith Street in Cleveland and will travel to facilities throughout the division.

Founded in 1976, Life Care operates or manages more than 220 nursing, post-acute and Alzheimer’s centers in 28 states.