Theresa Renee Morrison, born and raised in Oceanside, California, comes from a Texas family with deep-rooted history—her parents migrated from Texas when her father was stationed at Camp Pendleton, seeking refuge from the Jim Crow South. A dedicated student, she attended Ditmar and Garrison Elementary, Jefferson Jr. High, and OHS, later earning a Business Administration degree with an emphasis in Professional Accounting from Long Beach State University. She was a member of the OHS award-winning Pirateer and the O.Y.A.C, served as a lead delegate to the California Scholarship Federation, and a leading role on the debate team for the San Diego All-American Model United Nations. As an active member of the ASB Council, she also served as Treasurer, assisting the boosters, sports teams, clubs and organizations with her God-gifted financial talents.

Renee grew up as a member of the Second Missionary Baptist Church. Her father, a decorated war veteran, received the Bronze Star from President Richard Nixon in 1969, and her godmother, Sister Charlesetta Reece Allen, was a pioneering civil rights leader honored with an Oceanside post office dedication in 2024 by President Joe Biden. She was a devout minister, founder of the Oceanside Girls Club, and the first President of the North County NAACP. Their influence shaped Theresa’s dedication to social justice, business, and faith. With over 45 years of financial expertise, Theresa became a sought-after CFO specializing in nonprofit finance, holding C-Suite/CFO roles—including as the first Black finance leader at the Recording Academy (the GRAMMYs) and the Library Foundation of Los Angeles. As a single parent, she raised two accomplished children—Julian, is a dual bachelor-degreed and coveted Texas-based computer engineer, and Mariyah, an exceptionally gifted licensed therapist with a Master’s in Psychology. Renee’s life is a testament to resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to service.

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