Professional Bio
Dr. Jenni Harris is the Executive Director of Business Services at the NC Department of Commerce’s Division of Workforce Solutions. She is an executive level strategist and advisor who provides strong vision and leadership for the state’s alignment of economic and workforce development and oversees the management of federally regulated and funded business programs. She sits on the NC Governor’s State Council for Sector Strategies, the state’s NC TOWERS off-shore wind energy workforce strategies committee, the NC Manufacturing Extension Program’s Advisory Council and NC Manufacturing Policy team, the NC Electric Vehicle Workforce Strategies Committee, the NC Economic Development Association’s Legislative committee, and serves as the subject matter expert for the Employer Leadership and Engagement committee of the NCWorks Commission (state workforce board). Her past experience in higher education, existing industry retention and expansion, and in entrepreneurship lends itself to her current role.
Jenni received her Bachelor of Arts in Professional and Technical Writing and Public and Media Relations from UNC Wilmington and graduated Summa Cum Laude from NC Central University with her Master’s in Public Administration. She received her doctorate in Public Policy and Administration from West Chester University where her research allowed her to examine the role of public universities in economic development and community engagement.
Jenni received her Bachelor of Arts in Professional and Technical Writing and Public and Media Relations from UNC Wilmington and graduated Summa Cum Laude from NC Central University with her Master’s in Public Administration. She received her doctorate in Public Policy and Administration from West Chester University where her research allowed her to examine the role of public universities in economic development and community engagement.
Company/Organization
North Carolina Department of Commerce
Cary, NC 27518
United States
Organizational
Education:
University North Carolina Wilmington 1991
Bachelors
North Carolina Central University 2015
Masters Public Policy & Administration
West Chester University, Pennsylvania 2018
Doctorate Public Policy & Administration
Areas of Expertise
Communications/ Public Relations, Educational/ Workforce Development, Leadership Development, Membership Development, Organization Management