Former Commissioners Commemorate Longtime Colleague “Ted” Morrison as Sharp, Fair and Influential

RICHMOND – Longtime Commissioner Theodore “Ted” Morrison Jr. was remembered by fellow former commissioners as tough yet thoughtful, with a sharp legal mind and an encyclopedic knowledge of the Virginia General Assembly.  

Morrison, who died July 6, 2024, “could push hard,” recalled former Commissioner James Dimitri, who faced Morrison’s sharp questions both while working under him as SCC general counsel and while appearing before him in the courtroom. “But he would in the end work to be fair about what he was doing.”

Before serving as Commissioner from 1989 to 2008 – including six stints as chairman – Morrison served for 20 years in the Virginia House of Delegates. He was named to and helped lead many influential legislative committees and commissions including the Virginia Code Commission, the legislative body that arranges for the codification and incorporation of laws into the Code of Virginia. He was a founding member of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission and chief patron of a bill creating the Court of Appeals of Virginia.

When elected Commissioner, Morrison brought that wealth of experience and insight on the General Assembly to the SCC.

Said former Commissioner Hullihen Williams Moore, “He not only knew the law, he knew the people who were making those laws.

Moore added, “He was a very fine, smart, helpful, articulate colleague. And he always told you what he thought.”

FERC Commissioner Mark Christie, who served alongside Morrison as SCC Commissioner, noted, “The first time I sat on a hearing where Ted presided, I knew I would learn how to preside over a hearing from him, so I better pay close attention – and I always did. I think it is fair to say Ted Morrison did not suffer fools gladly (and I do not exclude myself, as he occasionally made clear – but I learned each time).”

Christie continued, “He was the epitome of what an SCC judge should be: scrupulously fair both to consumers and to utilities and other regulated businesses, including banks and insurance companies. He was very concerned to make sure that consumers were treated fairly, and he brought that concern to protect consumers to the SCC."

Christie concluded, “I have always taken that lesson to heart, and in that sense Ted Morrison has always been my role model for how regulators should fulfill their duties. After Ted had retired, I frequently asked myself, ‘What would Ted do?’ And the answer was usually the right answer.”

Former Commissioner Judith Jagdmann called Morrison “a force of nature.”

“I had the pleasure of working both for and with him,” she added. “Like many intelligent and highly accomplished individuals, the judge was not known for his patient demeanor or subtlety. He expected you to know your position and defend it.  While he didn’t expect perfection, he demanded honesty and diligence. The Commission and the citizens of Virginia benefited greatly from his service. I count it a privilege to have served with him.”

Morrison attended Newport News High School and Emory University in Atlanta, where he graduated first in his class and was admitted to the Georgia bar before graduation.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sharon Bundy Morrison, and three sons. A stepson preceded him in death. A memorial service has not yet been scheduled.

Morrison’s work at the SCC helped shape its culture, say those who worked with him. In summing up Morrison's vast contributions, SCC Chairman Jehmal Hudson stated, “Ted never strayed from his commitment to providing the highest possible quality of public service. He took great pride in the Commission and its employees. Virginians can take great pride in Ted’s leadership and his enduring legacy. It is an honor to count him among the ranks of our commissioners.”

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Contact: Andy Farmer, 804-371-9141