Harris earned his bachelor’s degree in social welfare from Wayne State University in 1970. He also attended Oakland University taking graduate classes in counseling and guidance.

Prior to joining the DNR, he served for almost 30 years with the Michigan Family Independence Agency, the last 14 as the human resource director for the Wayne County FIA office.

Harris has been elected twice to serve as chair of the state of Michigan Human Resources Council. In 2003, he received a Patriotic Employer Award from the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. He received special recognition from the Wayne County Council against Family Violence in 2000, for his work in bringing domestic violence awareness and training to more than 3,200 FIA employees. It was during this time that he also served on the Detroit Police Department Social Services Task Force, working to improve cooperation between the two agencies and strengthen efforts to reduce crime in the community, with particular focus on school-age children and their families.

Development of the mutual cooperation agreement between the Wayne County FIA, Wayne County Executive’s Office, Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the Wayne County Coordinating Council to Prevent Domestic Violence to work together to reduce the impacts of the social problems created by family violence. It was during the development and refinement of this relationship that he found a kindred love for the work of the people who have dedicated themselves to end domestic family violence in our communities and workplaces. He believed it an honor to be a part of the landmark cooperative agreement and to serve as an agent to assist the efforts to educate and understand the real costs of this social issue.

Harris received the first Wayne County FIA Director’s Award for Excellence in 1996. He served as the honorary Grand Marshall for the Michigan Indian Day Parade in 1985, and in 1984 was recognized for his leadership and commitment to the United Foundation and Black United Foundation campaigns. He also has served on several boards, including the Wayne County Interagency Homeless Project; the Wayne County Client Advisory Council; the city of Detroit Neighborhood Community Agency Family Services; and the Community Services Commission for United Community Services.