Philip Harris

Dr. Philip Harris is an accomplished public administration scholar-practitioner with more than 20 years of leadership experience across local government, education systems, and community-based organizations. He serves as an Adjunct Professor, teaching Data-Informed Leadership, Management, and Decision-Making, as well as Public Organizational Leadership, Cross-Sector Partnerships, and Stakeholder Engagement. In these roles, he bridges theory and practice to prepare the next generation of public service leaders.

Dr. Harris holds a Doctorate in Business Administration (Management), a Master of Business Administration in Public Administration from Argosy University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of South Florida. He is a graduate of the Advanced Economic Development Leadership (AEDL) Program, earning the designation of Master Economic Development Practitioner through a consortium of the University of Southern Mississippi, Texas Christian University, Valdosta State University, and the University of New Mexico. He also completed Georgetown University’s Executive Leadership Institute, receiving a certification in Innovative Leadership in Public Administration.

His professional career includes executive and senior leadership roles such as Economic Development, Intergovernmental Affairs, and Grants Administrator Consultant for the City of Riviera Beach; Assistant to the City Manager for North Miami; Assistant to the City Administrator for West Palm Beach; and District Recovery Manager for Broward County Public Schools. In the latter role, Dr. Harris led districtwide mental health recovery and support efforts following the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy.

Dr. Harris currently serves as Economic Development Director for the City of Greenacres, Florida, where he leads citywide initiatives focused on business attraction and retention, job creation, redevelopment, and infrastructure investment. His work includes managing redevelopment and site-development projects, securing state and federal funding, overseeing business retention and expansion programs, and building strategic partnerships with private investors, government agencies, and community stakeholders to support long-term economic vitality.

Throughout his career, Dr. Harris has overseen complex budgets, led multimillion-dollar public-private partnerships, and guided cross-sector collaborations across government, nonprofit, and community settings. His professional experience directly informs his teaching, allowing him to create a dynamic, applied learning environment grounded in real-world leadership challenges.

Dr. Harris is deeply committed to public service, mentorship, and civic engagement. He was recently nominated as an Honorary Member of Pi Alpha Alpha, the global honor society for public affairs and administration. His recognitions include the South Florida Floyd T. Johnson Leadership Administrator Award, the National Jacqueline L. Whitman Distinguished Service Award, and designation as an International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Honorary Member of the Year.

He remains actively involved in professional and civic organizations, including serving as National Affiliates Liaison and Immediate Past President of the South Florida Chapter of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA); Board Liaison for the Local Government Hispanic Network (LGHN) Florida Chapter; member of the International Network of Asian Pacific Islander Public Administrators (I-NAPA) and the Florida City and County Management Association (FCCMA); Vice-Chair of the National Sigma Beta Club Foundation; International Governmental Affairs Chair for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.; and Board Member of HandsOn South Florida. He also supports youth, faith-based, and family initiatives as Adventurers Club South Florida Zone Administrator and Ambassador Father for the March of Dimes.