The external reach of the Boston Athletic Association, as well as the growth of year-round B.A.A. programming, falls under the charge of Guy Morse.
In 2011, Guy Morse became the first Senior Director of External Affairs at the B.A.A. With an aim of expanding the philanthopic arm of the organization, Morse will look to continue to grow the B.A.A. from where he brought it after 26 years as Executive Director.
As the first Executive Director of the B.A.A. and its premier event--the Boston Marathon--Morse is maintained the tradition and prestige of the world’s oldest annual marathon, while assuring that the race's financial stability kept it foremost among major international sporting events.
Morse played an integral role in enabling the Boston Marathon to regain its stature as the world’s foremost running event. With the B.A.A. Board of Governors, Morse engineered a long-term major commitment with John Hancock Financial Services, an agreement unprecedented in the world of sponsorship. The complete, overall long-term support from John Hancock for the Boston Marathon was considered a pioneer sponsorship when it went into effect in 1986, and it remains unique to the sport. The current commitment extends through 2023.
In January 2006, Morse announced, along with representatives from the Flora London, real,-Berlin, Bank of America Chicago, and ING New York City Marathons, the formation of the World Marathon Majors, an association and competition designed to elevate the sport of marathoning. In 2008, under Morse’s leadership, the B.A.A. hosted the U.S. Olympic Team Trials-Women’s Marathon.
Morse began with the B.A.A. in December of 1984 and will be involved with his 27th Boston Marathon in April 2011. He works closely with the cities and towns along the course, and has overseen the development of a network of staff and supporters that provides participants with a first-class experience in Boston. He also developed a flourishing year-round community-outreach program for youth, and was instrumental in developing the B.A.A.’s official charity program, which has raised more than $100 million since 1994.
In February 2006, Morse was inducted into Running USA’s Hall of Champions in recognition of his dedication, innovations, and years of service to the sport and industry. In October of 2010, he was elected to the Association for International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS). Morse was also the 2006 recipient of the Will Cloney Award.
A native of Marlborough, MA, Morse is a 1974 graduate of Northeastern University. He resides in Centerville, MA, with his wife, Nancy. They have four children: Jillian, Katie, Elizabeth, and Daniel.