DC Family Business Forum

About DC Family Business Forum

The mission of the DC Family Business Forum is to promote and foster the growth and ongoing success of family businesses through learning, sharing and creating effective solutions regarding the critical issues and challenges confronting family businesses in the Washington, DC metropolitan region. Presentations and seminars are supported entirely by multi-disciplinary sponsors who are involved in working with family businesses as part of their routine practice.

Attendance to lectures and presentations sponsored by the DC Family Business Forum is offered by invitation only to a limited number of family-owned businesses. Participation in activities is restricted to invitees and sponsors. An invitation is extended by sponsors to family businesses who have the ability to benefit from and participate in the lecture series. Invited businesses will generally have a family member with controlling interest in the business and at least one family member currently employed in the business.

Sponsors

Morrissette Family

Interstate was originally founded in 1943 by Arthur E. Morrissette in Southeast Washington D.C. as Ace Moving Vans. In the late 50’s and early 60’s his three sons and the second generation, Buddy, Don and Ken joined the company. In the late 60’s and early 70’s the company changed its name to Interstate and relocated to a 30-acre campus in Springfield, Va to accommodate the company’s growth from a local and regional moving firm to a national service provider. In the mid-80’s, third generation members formally joined the company, to include today’s speakers Bud, JD and Ken. In 2018, the organization celebrates 75 years of continuous family ownership, management and profitability.

Arthur E. (Bud) Morrisette IV's career with the company spans 35 years. As a third-generation member, he was appointed CEO in 2015. His past leadership roles have included Group President, Exec. Vice President/COO, Sr. Vice President of Corporate Development, and Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Under Bud’s tenure, the organization has received numerous industry awards and accolades. Passionate about his responsibility to the business and civic community, Bud serves on several executive boards and advisory committees.

John D. (JD) Morrisette has more than 30 years of experience in the transportation industry and is part of the third-generation ownership. Currently serving as Group President/COO, he has played a pivotal role in the growth of the company’s national footprint. He has served in multiple capacities to include; Division President, Vice President of Domestic Services, and Manager of Operations. JD currently serves as Chairman of the American Moving and Storage Association, (AMSA) the industry’s largest trade/advocacy group.

A member of the third generation, Ken (K2) Morrissette, Jr. serves as the Executive Vice President and General Counsel for both the Interstate and Morrissette Family of Companies. Prior to joining the family business ranks in 2014, he resided in Bangladesh, China, and Hong Kong, working in different manufacturing support roles for international brands including Craft, Eddie Bauer and Kosta Boda. Before his overseas endeavor, K2 worked as a litigation attorney at Perkins Coie, LLP in Seattle, Washington.