Dr. Philip C. Harris is an accomplished public administration professional with over two decades of experience in economic development, strategic planning, and government relations. He was recently selected to be the new Director of Economic Development for the City of Greenacres, where he leads initiatives to attract businesses, foster economic growth, and implement strategies that enhance the city's commercial landscape. In this role, Dr. Harris oversees business retention and expansion efforts, coordinates site development projects, secures funding for infrastructure improvements, and collaborates with local, state, and federal partners to drive economic progress.
Alongside his leadership in municipal government, Dr. Harris is a distinguished College Professor in the John Lewis Public Administration Program at Tulane University, where he teaches Public Organizational Leadership, Cross-Sector Partnerships, and Stakeholder Engagement. His academic focus equips future leaders with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of public service and cross-sector collaboration.
Dr. Harris holds a Doctorate in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from Argosy University, a Master of Business Administration in Public Administration, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of South Florida. His expertise spans economic development, grant management, crisis leadership, and intergovernmental affairs.
Previously, Dr. Harris served as the Intergovernmental Affairs and Grants Administrator Consultant for the City of Riviera Beach, where he secured critical funding for water and wastewater infrastructure projects. He also played a key role as the Assistant to the City Manager for North Miami, leading the Citizens Investigative Board. Additionally, he served as the District Recovery Manager for Broward County Public Schools, where he spearheaded mental health recovery efforts following the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy.
As a member of several prestigious professional organizations, including the American Society for Public Administration, the International City/County Management Association, the National Forum for Black Public Administrators, the Local Government Hispanic Network, and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Dr. Harris remains at the forefront of public administration practice and innovation. His contributions to the field are further evidenced by his numerous awards, including the ICMA Honorary Member of the Year, Floyd T. Johnson Leadership Award, Jacqueline L. Whitman Distinguished Service Award, and the Steven D. Ford Memorial Public Service Award.
Dr. Harris is dedicated to mentoring future public administration leaders, equipping them with the skills and insights needed to navigate the complexities of modern public service.