Willie D. Harris

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT WILLIE D. HARRIS

Experienced Executive that has served in various roles to protect American agriculture and our food sources as a Director of Operations, emergency response manager, biologist, regulator, researcher, phytosanitary specialist, plant and animal health SME, investigator, animal welfare and wildlife leader with over thirty years of experience working within the USDA on multiple levels and in diverse program areas.As a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES) core of federal government and Director for USDA’s Wildlife Services, I was responsible for managing one half of the United States, encompassing 983 employees and a $94 Million dollar budget ($28.7 M Appropriated$65.4 M Agreements).USDA APHIS is an emergency response, federal regulatory agency within the USDA that protects the American Farmer, our food resources and international trade while providing leadership in ensuring the health and care of animals and plants. The agency improves agricultural productivity and competitiveness and contributes to food safety, the national economy and the public health. I am a skilled emergency response regulatory official/ biologist and leader with a demonstrated history of working in federal government in the field and at multiple leadership levels, which includes meeting and working with political appointees, other federal and state government officials, Non-governmental organizations and foreign government officials while maintaining a Top Secret Security clearance. Skilled in Government, Leadership, Biology, Biosecurity, Auditing, Labor Relations, Human Capital Management, Recruitment, Financial Management, Policy Analysis, Strategic Planning, and Public Policy. Strong consulting professional in import and export agricultural policies and regulations. Expert in Plant and Animal Health, Pathology, Entomology, Animal Welfare, and Wildlife Management with hands on working knowledge and experience related to federal investigations, Veterinary Accreditation audits and other activities associated with the environment and natural resources. Extensive training in leadership and a politically savvy leader, coach, mentor and communicator with outstanding interpersonal skills.Has a Master of Business Administration - MBA focused in Public Administration, and a BS in Biology with a focus on environmental and natural resources.Has leadership certifications from the Brookings Institution, Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, American University’s Key Executive Leadership Program and the Federal Executive Institute.