At eight years old, Jay Niner was already working at one of his father’s 11 restaurants. Now, after a lifetime in food service and 37 years with Morrison Healthcare, the Senior Regional Vice President will retire at the end of the year.
Niner’s impressive accomplishments over nearly four decades include opening food service operations at more than 75 hospitals over the past 15 years. At the top of that list is transitioning Morrison Healthcare into 17 hospitals in the Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Another signature accomplishment came from his work during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which ravaged much of the Gulf Coast 20 years ago. For several weeks, Niner headed the company’s command center in Dallas and needed to solve critical logistical issues, ranging from ensuring Morrison associates had enough food to evacuating hundreds of frontline associates, directors, and others while still maintaining operations at 18 hospitals.
He vividly recalls the large number of Morrison associates who heroically volunteered their time.
“Months after the hurricane, we had more people than we could count who wanted to work in those hospitals. Their mindset was, I need to help people who are fathers, mothers, and sisters. You don’t find that a lot these days. It was heart-warming, and it showed the kind of people we have at Morrison.”
For his work during the crisis he won the company’s President’s award, adding to a list of awards, including his three-time selection as the Morrison’s Regional Vice President of the Year.
His Start with Morrison
One month after marrying his wife, Holly, in March 1988, Niner began his career with Morrison as a management trainee. After 30 days of training, the newlyweds moved to Oklahoma City, where Jay became an assistant director. He was soon promoted to director of food service operations at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, Texas, where he worked for seven years.
“I got to see so much, and that was pretty cool at such an early age,” he recalls. ”We had several prospective clients from the Mid-Atlantic and the Southeast that toured the facility, and they turned into some of our most prestigious clients that are still in our portfolio.”
He also learned early on how unpredictable the job could be. He recalls spending his 30th birthday sleeping on the floor of his office to stay safe during a hurricane.
Ironically, by joining Morrison, Jay reversed a conviction he held years earlier while studying hotel and restaurant management at the University of Houston. At the time, he told himself, “I’d never work in hospital food service.”
But after years of weekends, late nights, and long shifts in luxury hotels and upscale restaurants, he discovered that healthcare food service offered something different: more predictable hours, better pay, and, most importantly, a deeper sense of purpose.
A Memorable Management Style
Those who have worked for Jay believe part of his legacy is his ability to prepare them for future roles.
“Jay truly loves Morrison, both team members and clients,” says Rick D’Eredita, Regional Director of Operations. “I admired his commitment to growing Morrison and creating opportunities for those he managed. He was 150 percent about the people. He cares about everyone, including their families. He always makes a point of knowing something about every person’s family.”
Regional Director of Operations Jeff Sewick agrees. He said, “He is very much about engaging all of his directors, putting them at ease and making certain they will be successful. He has always provided them with the tools, education, and resources to do well and prevent any mishaps. As he says, he wants to ‘keep the directors between the ditches and out of harm’s way’.”
Jay’s ability to maintain close relationships with many of his clients has also been a key to his success. He and his family have attended many functions where clients celebrate family milestones and events.
“I will miss a lot of my clients,” he says. “Many of my clients, including board members at some hospitals, know my wife and children. It has helped so much in developing a strong working relationship. I don’t know how much of that exists a lot anymore, but it does in my world.”
Those who worked for Jay will also remember his personality and wit. He’s been known for his “Jay-isms” which include:
- – After every conference call, Jay says, “Does anyone have anything for the common good?”
- – “I’m not mad at you — I’m direct.”
Retirement Plans
For now, his retirement will focus on spending time with his wife and four adult children, and visiting his parents, who are in their 90s. He has purchased a recreational vehicle so his son, who has a physical disability, can join them for all of their travels.
As Jay prepares for this next chapter, his colleagues, teams, and partners across the country reflect with deep appreciation on the legacy he leaves behind. His leadership, mentorship, and steadfast commitment to serving patients and supporting associates have shaped countless careers and strengthened Morrison’s culture in lasting ways.
“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Jay for his many years of dedicated service to Morrison Healthcare. I am truly grateful to have worked alongside him and to have learned from his experience and example. His leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to our mission have left a lasting impact. I wish him all the best as he embarks on a well-deserved and fulfilling retirement,” said Avi Pinto, CEO of Morrison Healthcare.
