Sarah Morrison

CEO, Shepherd Center, Inc.

Sarah A. Morrison, PT, MBA, MHA, is CEO of Shepherd Center. She joined Shepherd Center in 1984, immediately after earning her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy at the University of Miami, where she graduated summa cum laude. She then received her master’s degrees in healthcare and business administration from Georgia State University, where she was awarded the Max G. Holland scholarship for the highest grade point average in the graduate business program.

Since 1984, Sarah has served in various leadership roles at Shepherd Center, including vice president of clinical services, director of the Spinal Cord Injury Program, director of the medical/surgical and ICU programs, manager of the spinal cord injury day program, a physical therapy supervisor and a physical therapist.

Sarah’s career-long tenure at Shepherd Center is a testament to her unceasing passion and commitment to the center’s long-term success in carrying out its day-to-day mission to advocate for all people with temporary or permanent disabilities and assist them in living their lives with independence and dignity.

Well-respected in the healthcare community, Sarah has written many peer-reviewed publications, presented nationally and internationally and has actively participated research studies. In 2013, Sarah received the award for Clinical Excellence in Neurology from the Neurological Section of the American Physical Therapy Association. In 2018, she was recognized as one of Atlanta Magazine’s Women Making a Mark. In 2020, she was recognized as one of Atlanta Magazine’s 500 Most Powerful Leaders in Atlanta.

As a leader, Sarah has an innate talent to engage staff at every level of the organization. Her excellent communication and interpersonal skills align with Shepherd Center’s culture and serve to create effective, collaborative partnerships with physicians, staff and other stakeholders. Sarah’s strong business acumen enables her to analyze needs, streamline operations and foster new clinical programs.

Sarah lives in Atlanta with her husband, Jeff, a visiting instructor at Emory University. Their son, Michael, lives in Watkinsville, Georgia, and works for Cigna Healthcare. Their daughter, Susan, lives in Atlanta and works as an editor for an independent publishing company.