The State Bar Association of North Dakota Summer 2013 Gavel Magazine | Page 4

PRESIDENT’S PROFILE MORRIS TO FOCUS ON VOLUNTEERISM AS THIS YEAR’S SBAND PRESIDENT
After years of involvement in her profession and community, Nancy Morris of Fargo has stepped into the shoes as president of the State Bar Association. Here she shares a bit about her background and her goals for the coming year. Tell us about your background and your family. I am a Fargo native.  I am the youngest of five girls.  My dad, Bob, was a salesman for Proctor & Gamble for 35 years. He was an avid model railroader, commonly referred to as the “train man,” setting up the display at Bonanzaville and Santa’s Village for many years. When the whistle blew in the basement, I knew it was time for lights out. My mom, Carol, kept us girls in check, and provided taxi service to our many activities. I was one of the original Acro Team members, and spent countless hours at the gym. Mom made sure I had this unique opportunity, but stressed the importance of school as well. During high school I participated in volleyball, and was captain of the swim team. I worked several jobs, including flipping burgers at Burger King, and as a cashier at Scheels Hardware and Sports. I went to UND for my undergraduate degree in Banking and Finance.  During college I worked at a Resident Hall Service Desk and later as a teller at a local bank.  I continued straight through to law school.  While in law school I clerked with District Judge Lawrence Jahnke, and

From the left: Grace, Ellen, Nancy and Joe
worked summers at the Conmy and Vogel law firms. I was the Managing Research Editor for the Law Review. After graduation I was fortunate to clerk for United States District Judge Rodney S. Webb. I then joined the Conmy Law firm, where I practiced for over seven years. In 2000, shortly after the birth of my youngest daughter, I accepted a position with Federal Magistrate Judge Karen K. Klein as a judicial law clerk. I held that position for 11 and a half years. I made the move back to private practice in October 2011, and am now working with Erik R. Johnson & Associates, and serve as a Fargo Assistant City Attorney.  I married Joe Aas in 1994, and we have two beautiful daughters, Ellen, 16, and Grace, 14.  Joe is a partner with Software Solutions/PC Parts as a computer consultant. Ellen will be a junior at Fargo South this fall. She participates in volleyball and soccer, student council, orchestra, and just finished six weeks at Governor’s School on the NDSU campus in the math curriculum. I am so proud, and so very glad to have her home! Grace will be an 8th grader at Carl Ben Eielson. She is active in soccer, hockey, band and student leadership. We are all big UND hockey fans -we have a dog named Toews!   What was your life like when you were growing up? We rode our bikes to the public pool, played kick the can and ditch, and ice skated at the local outdoor rink.  We cartwheeled until we were too dizzy to see, and then walked on our hands to see who could go the furthest.    How have you been involved in community service? My community service reflects the phases of my life and professional career.  Before kids I was active in Zonta, serving as president when our Salvation Army Thanksgiving Basket project reached 500 baskets.  I was active in the Cass County Bar Association, serving as president in 2006.  I was very active in planning and participating in the Law Day activities, and the Stand Against Racism program.  As my kids entered school, I was active in PTA, serving as the Book Fair chair and Junior Great Books Coordinator.  I was a Faith Steps leader at church, and continue to volunteer for confirmation programs.  I was also a Girl Scout leader for 6 years, serving as the Cookie mom several times. I am currently the Treasurer of South Fargo Juniors Volleyball.   

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The Gavel Summer 2013