Marcus Harris

About Marcus Harris

Greetings! I\'m Marcus Harris, a dynamic leader driven by a passion for transforming cultures, expanding opportunities, and championing continuous development. With a robust track record in crafting both short-term and long-term organizational strategies across the private, nonprofit, and public sectors, I specialize in facilitating meaningful community engagement and implementing data-informed solutions.Throughout my career, a central pillar of my focus has been in championing both economic development, workforce development and fostering small business support. I take pride in spearheading initiatives that provide micro-enterprise assistance to WBE/MBE/DBEs, creating vital connections between entrepreneurs and financial institutions eager to provide crucial capital. Notable programs include the successful Lift Local initiative in collaboration with Huntington Bank and serving as a conduit for local businesses to access state-level minority business assistance programs. My efforts are consistently geared towards enhancing opportunities for historically disenfranchised groups.I invite connection with like-minded professionals, community leaders, and individuals dedicated to positive change. Let\'s collaborate on initiatives fostering inclusivity, propelling economic growth, and nurturing community development. Feel free to reach out—I eagerly anticipate engaging in enriching conversations!#VisionaryLeader #StrategicDevelopment #CommunityEngagement #EconomicEmpowerment #InclusiveGrowth #ContinuousDevelopment #Collaboration

Experience

1. Director of Programs & Services

   Greater Cleveland Works

   May 2025 — Present · Cleveland, OH, US

   As Director of Programs & Services I oversee multiple, complex programs with a special focus on operational excellence and centering the customer experience. Programs include all career, training, and business services as described under WIOA Title I, Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA), and the one-stop career center. My responsibilities include- Oversight of programs including performance and budget management- Ensuring compliance of programs with federal, state, and local regulations- Playing a key role in the workforce ecosystem to identify new opportunities, recruit collaborators, organize partners, assist with competitive grant applications, and foster innovation- Working closely with stakeholders to understand the needs of job seekers and employers to identify appropriate resources, programs, and/or special initiatives to improve the local workforce system- Serving as a liaison with the State of Ohio regarding WIOA program functions- Participating in state level strategy and policy groups as they relate to the implementation of programs Greater Cleveland Works operates.

Education

• Bowling Green State University

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Art Education 2D Studies

  2006 — 2009

• University of Michigan

  Mechanical Engineering

  1997

• Bowling Green State University

  Master of Public Administration - MPA, Political Science and Government