Morris to Discuss How to Move a Legacy Forward During Deal Lecture
October 15, 2026
AMES, Iowa – What does it take to lead a family-owned business when you’re not a member of that family?
Craig Morris will explore this question during the 2026 William K. Deal Leadership Lecture on October 30 at Iowa State University. The lecture will commence at 3:30 p.m. in Dolezal Auditorium, 127 Curtiss Hall, and is free and open to the public. The first 70 Iowa State students in attendance will receive a complimentary goodie bag.
Morris, the president of Keyport, LLC, a family-owned business headquartered in Edmonds, Washington, specializes in processing and distributing premium, wild-caught crab and frozen seafood sourced from Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. As the first non-family leader in a five-generation seafood company, he guides Keyport in maintaining its legacy.
In his presentation, "Earning the Right to Lead Someone Else’s Legacy," Morris will share his insights on leading an organization you didn't build for a family whose name is on the door—and how trust, humility, and clear-eyed leadership are earned, not assumed. He will discuss stewardship and moving a legacy forward while preserving its essence.
A proud Iowa State alum, Morris earned his bachelor’s in animal science in 1992. He also holds a doctoral degree from Texas A&M University. His career reflects a deep commitment to advancing the U.S. agriculture and seafood industries, encompassing both public and private sectors.
The William K. Deal Leadership Lecture, made possible by the late William K. Deal, a 1958 Iowa State alumnus, is organized by the Department of Agricultural Education and Studies in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.