50 Black Professionals Morris Smith, MBA

2023 SUPER P&E

Morris Smith has held numerous positions with increasing responsibility during his tenure in the Coca-Cola system.

Smith is currently the Vice President of Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability for Arca Continental CocaCola Southwest Beverages. Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, a company of Arca Continental, is one of the largest CocaCola bottlers in the United States. Based in Dallas, CCSWB provides 31 million of its friends and neighbors with their favorite Coca-Cola brand beverages –from sparkling soft drinks and waters to teas, coffees, and juices.

The VP, a strong leader, supports the Arca Continental corporate function and leads a broad communications and public affairs portfolio for CocaCola Southwest Beverages. This portfolio includes internal and external communications, public affairs, issues management, stakeholder strategy, beverage association/trade association management, crisis management, and executive communications.

He is responsible for managing the core public affairs and communications accountabilities across 27 markets in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Smith manages all community giving contributions and donations, providing assessment, approvals, and deployment. Serving as a critical business partner and trusted advisor to the President and Executive Leadership Team and Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages market unit leaders on matters that range from government relations/issues management, risk/crisis management, stakeholder advocacy and engagement to sustainability platforms, media relations, brand PR, and community investment strategies.

Among his recognition are the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boys and Girls Club Legacy Award, The YMCA Black and Hispanic Achievers Award, Dollars and Cents Magazine’s Best and Brightest Business Professional Men and Women Award, and Chicago Defender Men of Excellence Award. Commitment, Inclusion, and diversity are not just words to Smith; they deeply resonate with his actions and are a part of his core values.

He served as the Chairman of the Board for 100 Black Men of Chicago, a Board Member of PUSH-EXCEL, a former Board Member of William A Lawson Institute for Peace and Prosperity, Houston Children’s Charity, and is the Nominations Governance Chair for Houston Area Urban League. The Coca-Cola veteran is a graduate of Valparaiso University and holds an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. Smith and his wife, Toni Mooney Smith, reside in Houston, where they are Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church members.

Morris Smith, MBA

Vice President of Public Affairs Communications and Sustainability

Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages

10475 Deer Trail Dr. Houston, TX 77038 morris.smith@cocacolaswb.com

MAKING COMMUNITY MAGIC Diverse people and communities are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we’re committed to building a more sustainable and inclusive future for all. Learn more at cocacolaswb.com.