Contact: Sameera Jordan
Media Relations Manager
Sameera.Jordan@BankWithUnited.com

Get to Know United’s Newest Leader in Brokerage

Growing up, Shuron Morton assumed he would be following in his parents’ footsteps and pursue a career in the medical field. As the son of an anesthesiologist and a medical administrator, Shuron believed he would one day join the ranks as a doctor. He spent countless hours in or around hospitals growing up, even spending his high school years working as an orderly and nursing assistant. So, when it came time to choose a college major, a medical degree was the obvious choice for Shuron. After graduating from Christian Brothers Academy in Albany, NY, he started at Union College in Schenectady the following fall as a psychology major, beginning down the path that he always assumed his life would take. But it wasn't until he found himself interning on Wall Street that he realized where he truly wanted to be.

The summer after his junior year, a family friend offered Shuron an internship in the world’s leading financial district. He says working on the floor of Wall Street changed his entire perspective and opened his eyes to a brand-new world outside of the hospital that he’d never considered – love at first sight. When he returned to school, he decided he would continue working toward a Bachelor of Science, but while his peers spent their senior year studying for the MCAT, Shuron was studying for his Series 7. He graduated from Union College in 1998 and then moved straight to New York City to officially start his career on Wall Street.

Shuron began his financial career as a retail stockbroker at an investment bank and brokerage firm in Manhattan followed by a stint as a financial advisor with American Express. Throughout his 27 years of experience, Shuron has worked at several major financial institutions in various leadership capacities, including starting as a banker, branch manager, regional retail manager and wealth management representative at Wells Fargo, financial advisor at Morgan Stanley, and investments regional sales manager at Capital One and PNC.

In July of 2024, he joined the United Bank team as senior vice president and regional sales manager of United Brokerage Services, Inc., overseeing Brokerage’s full staff of nearly 30 financial advisors across the Bank’s footprint. Following United’s recent 34th acquisition of Piedmont Bancorp in the Greater Atlanta area, Shuron’s next task is adding financial advisors in our new markets and growing the brokerage line of business here at United.

Lessons in Leadership from Shuron

Are there any leaders who have inspired you?

It may sound cliche, but I would point to Barack Obama. Seeing what he was able to accomplish and the heights he was able to reach in his career were truly inspiring – I was nearly in tears the night he got elected. I never thought I would see a person of color as the President of the United States in my lifetime. He was the perfect example of how you really can be anything you want as long as you work hard and dedicate yourself to it. And he did so with such passion and grace, which inspired me to want to do more in my life and career, particularly in the service of others.

I’m also inspired by military leaders. I really admire the generals and those who lead their teams into battle. The ability to command teams of people of all different ages, races, religions, education, and backgrounds and motivate them to go out and put their lives on the line for a greater cause is incredible. It takes a special kind of person to be able to lead others into battle. So, I just always looked up to those kinds of leaders and have taken inspiration from them.

What do you wish you knew when you were just starting your career?

There are three things I’d specifically call out:

1. The importance of emotional intelligence. In my opinion, particularly starting off in a sales position, it is extremely important to be able to manage your emotions and understand how to read and react to the emotions of others.
2. Secondly, the world is small, so don’t burn bridges. Some would argue the one thing that’s just as important as your abilities are your connections. I truly believe in six degrees of separation, meaning you’re never more than six connections, six introductions, or six handshakes away from everyone else in the world. So, maintain and grow those connections whenever possible.
3. Lastly, let it go! Don’t hold grudges. Life is too short. You will get further in life by helping others than you will tearing them down. Spend your time and energy doing good for others and good will happen to you.

What advice do you have for younger generations in the process of deciding on a career path?

Find something that you’re passionate about, then find a profession that will allow you to express that passion and stick with it. When I found the world of finance and investing, I instantly fell in love. I found myself doing tasks that I truly enjoyed doing and was good at.

I am passionate about brokerage. Anyone who has ever heard me talk about this industry knows just how excited I get when talking about the topic! My charge is to help United Brokerage grow and stand out as a line of business here at United Bank. Our growth and the ability to offer an opportunity for someone to become an advisor with United Brokerage is very exciting. The things you can do for yourself and others in this role are incredible. It really is life changing! There is nothing like waking up every day and going to do a job that you love, and I hope everyone gets a chance to feel that in their careers.