Jennifer B. Harris
MANAGING PARTNER
(910) 619-1583
jharris@shedc.com
Jennifer B. Harris, DPA, MPA is a senior public-sector strategist and trusted advisor specializing in strategic planning, public policy analysis, economic development, and workforce system alignment. With more than two decades of experience working across state government, higher education, and industry partnerships, she helps elected officials and public managers translate complex challenges into actionable strategies that deliver measurable results. Her work is grounded in rigorous data analysis, practical governance insight, and a deep understanding of how policy decisions play out at the local and regional level.
Dr. Harris most recently served as Executive Director of Industry and Talent Development with the North Carolina Department of Commerce, where she leads large‑scale strategic initiatives spanning workforce development, employer engagement, and economic competitiveness. In this role, she oversees multimillion‑dollar public investments, advises regional and state leaders on labor market and demographic trends, and supports policy development related to business expansion, talent pipelines, and workforce system performance. Her experience includes designing outcome‑based evaluation frameworks, guiding cross‑jurisdictional collaboration, and helping public organizations move from transactional activity to transformational impact.
Prior to that role, Dr. Harris held senior leadership positions in statewide economic development and higher education, where she worked directly with local governments, universities, workforce boards, and private‑sector partners. She has led economic impact analyses, facilitated university‑industry‑government collaborations, launched innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives, and advised decision‑makers on aligning local assets with state and federal priorities. This cross‑sector background allows her to bridge policy, operations, and politics in ways that resonate with both elected officials and professional managers.
As a consultant, Dr. Harris brings a practitioner’s perspective to strategic planning, policy evaluation, economic and workforce analysis, and organizational design. She partners with communities to clarify priorities, assess performance, strengthen governance, and build strategies that are realistic, defensible, and aligned with public accountability. Holding a doctorate in public policy and administration and actively engaged in national advisory councils and professional associations, she is known for helping leaders make informed decisions that advance economic vitality, workforce readiness, and long‑term community outcomes.
Professional Experience
2018-2026, Executive Director, Industry and Talent Development with the North Carolina Department of Commerce. Senior executive responsible for statewide strategy, policy alignment, and performance outcomes related to workforce development and talent systems supporting North Carolina’s economic competitiveness.
2015-2018, Regional Industry Manager (Southeast North Carolina Prosperity Zone) with the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. Led regional economic development strategies aligned with state priorities, focusing on business growth, talent development, and industry competitiveness.
2011-2015, Assistant to the Chancellor for Community Partnerships at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Senior advisor to executive leadership responsible for aligning university engagement with state and regional economic workforce priorities.
2010-2011, Senior Director of Business Development at SMG Management Co. / Wilmington Convention Center.
Education
West Chester University of Pennsylvania, Doctorate, Public Policy and Administration, 2018
North Carolina Central University, Master of Public Policy and Administration, 2015
Cornell University, Graduate Certificate, Business Law, 2024
University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Graduate Certificate, Business Administration, 2010
University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Bachelor of Arts, English, 1991
Boards, Advisory Councils and Leadership
NC Industry Expansion Solutions Advisory Council – North Carolina State University
ApprenticeshipNC Advisory Council – North Carolina Community College System
NCWorks Commission – NC Governor’s state workforce board subject matter expert
Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeship
North Carolina Governor’s State Council for Sector Strategies
Southeastern Economic Development Council
North Carolina Economic Development Association
American Society for Public Administration
Leadership North Carolina (Alumni, Program Chair & Board of Directors)
UNC System Economic & Community Engagement Council (foundational metrics development)
Away from the Office
Jenni enjoys reading, art, traveling and especially spending time with her husband and two adult sons.