Harold E. Harris Jr. is an IT executive servant-leader with thirty-two years of progressive leadership experience in multiple technical disciplines specializing in service delivery and end-user computing management. Harold received his bachelor’s degree in public administration and political science from James Madison University in 1988 and his master’s degree in information systems and IT management from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2010. Most recently, Harold is certified as a Prosci Change Management Practitioner (CCMP) and a Six Sigma Green Belt. Harold is also an ITIL certified professional.
Beginning in 1989, Harold has cultivated a diverse background that includes fiscal management, clinical support management, telephony, networking infrastructure, desktop support, and hardware and software application support. His current leadership role is responsible for twenty extremely talented highly technical IT professionals across six different teams (videoconferencing / telemedicine; virtual desktop infrastructure; SCCM / Active Directory application deployment; mobility services; collaboration services through Microsoft’s Office 365 platform; SharePoint support) which is focused on delivering business value via servant leadership and sound technology management principles that the improve the customer’s experience.
Harold continues to devote much of his time to mentoring young professionals, motivational speaking engagements, and giving back to the community. He currently serves on the board of directors for the not-for-profit organization VA Voice (located in Richmond, Virginia) which helps vision and hearing-impaired citizens of diverse backgrounds enjoy all the world has to offer through broadcasted programming that reads and performs content for those unable to see or hear it. Harold also has a lifetime relationship with the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. His professional affiliations include SHRM, Prosci Change Management Practitioner, HIMSS, and ACHE. Harold is also an avid fitness enthusiast and intermediate yoga practitioner.
For the last thirty-two years, Harold has served as an NCAA Division I basketball official. A father of three daughters—Jasmine, Sydney, Gabrielle—and one son, Darius— Harold currently resides in Stafford, Virginia with his ridiculously beautiful wife, Cynthia. They enjoy cruising to exotic locations, outdoor activities, and spending quality time with close friends and family.
“Direct, personal, and inspiring. Harold E. Harris Jr. writes with power, transparency, and grit. The courage to convert his most personal struggles into a set of leadership lessons that has guided his life is both captivating and thought-provoking. He is a force—an incredibly positive force—for leaders willing to take in his leadership wisdom, sit with it, and then decide to act to be all they can be. Anyone serious about taking their leadership to the next level will profit from this deeply moving offering. Open up to the amazing story of one man who has created a life of purpose—born out of talent, perseverance, sacrifice, and spiritual love—in service to the leadership potential of every life he touches. Share his journey to that place where you just know that you know that you know.”
—Jean B. Gasen, PCC, PhD, executive leadership coach, information systems professor at Virginia Commonwealth University (retired)
“‘When the world speeds up, we slow down.’ This is just one of the principles Harris examines in From Basketball to Bow Ties that any current or future leader will benefit from. Harris’s ability to recognize experiences, people, and situations and translate them through the lens of a lifelong learner provides valuable insights that we can recognize and implement in our own leadership adventures. Sharing his experiences, Harris tells a contemplative story that will help many people throughout their journey of life and business. He is an authentic leader who has faced and conquered many internal and external challenges to make a positive impact on himself and those around him. Read this book and pass it along to other people as a gift to bring goodness to everyone as they navigate life and business.”
—David Ingram, president of Capital TechSearch, founder of Visual Workforce
“I could hardly bring myself to put this book down without reading it from cover to cover. It is a must-read for aspiring and seasoned leaders. The book is artfully composed of creative storytelling intertwined with lessons that are easily remembered and applied. The author takes us through an inspirational journey of heartwrenching life experiences that have developed him into an authentic, transformational leader, passionate about every aspect of life, and compassionate as demonstrated by his selfless gifts to others, from learning to tie a bow tie to giving the gift of life.”
—Shirley Gibson, DNP, MSHA, RN, FACHE, Interim Vice President of Support Services and Planning, VCU Health System
“From Basketball to Bowties: A Journey in Leadership, Self-Discovery, and Success through Service, and a Lifetime of Service is an outstanding book. I found the book to be insightful, thought-provoking, and informative. The book challenged me to do some introspection and enabled me to learn a great deal about myself and my leadership style. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.”
—Kevin Sutton, founder of Living Trophies Master Zoom Class
