← Back to Commissioners

Commissioner Kenneth Harris

Kenneth L. Harris is known for his maverick-style in his approach to altering societal and economic challenges within his community. An avid reader and socially-conscious individual, Kenneth always has been passionate about helping African-Americans and other minorities realize their dreams, most importantly through entrepreneurship and economic empowerment. In efforts to bridge the gap between minority-owned businesses throughout the region, he founded the International Detroit Black Expo, Incorporated (IDBE) in 2004.

Kenneth was the first African-American Chief of Staff and Executive Assistant to the Mayor of Southfield and the first African-American Director of Greek Affairs at Wayne State University. Additionally, he is the first African-American Counseling Psychologist for St. John Community Health and is the first African-American Vice President of Business Development for the Michigan Minority Supplier Diversity Council, Inc. Harris also is the Founder of the Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce to be launched later in 2010.

Kenneth serves on the Board of Directors for the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Michigan Center for Fair Housing, the United Negro College Fund, the First Independence Bank Community Development Corporation, and the NAACP – Detroit Branch, Economic Empowerment Committee Chairperson. He is an active life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Prince Hall Masonry, Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, Mayor Dave Bing's Campaign Economic Task Force and the Oakland University School of Business Board of Visitors.

Over the past few years, Kenneth L. Harris received the U.S. Small Business (SBA) 2007 Minority Business Advocate of the Year award; was inducted into Crain's Detroit Business Class of 2007 "40 under 40," and Who's Who in Black Detroit. Kenneth was most recently honored by the Michigan Women's Marketplace and CEED as the 2008 Entrepreneur of the Year. Kenneth also received the 2008 Excellence Award for Economic Empowerment by 100 Black Men of Greater Detroit, Inc. Kenneth accepted the 2009 CBS-WWJ 950 Emerging Leaders Under 40 Award during Black History Month and the 2010 Alpha Kappa Alpha Exemplary Community Servant Award.

Kenneth graduated with a BA in Psychology and a MA in Counseling Psychology, both from Clark University in Atlanta, Georgia. Currently an Educational Specialist degree candidate at Wayne State University in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, Kenneth also received a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Detroit's Lewis College of Business in 2008.

Born and raised in the city of Detroit, Commissioner Harris will work to help Detroit rebuild its economic future and governing policies.

e-mail: KHarris@2009dcrc.org

link to source: 2009dcrc.org/CommissionerHarris

← Back to Commissioners