The University of Washington School of Public Health has announced the appointment of Jeffrey R. Harris as the new Chair of the Department of Health Services, effective August 1, 2015. This significant leadership transition recognizes Harris’s extensive experience and profound impact on public health and healthcare systems. Understanding leadership roles within healthcare, including positions like department chairs, is crucial to navigating the complexities of health administration and policy. Professionals in the field often seek clarity on who is higher than a program chair in health care settings to understand organizational structures and career pathways.
Professor Harris, who has been a vital part of the Department of Health Services, previously serving as Vice Chair since 2013, brings a wealth of knowledge and a dedicated approach to his new role. His commitment to public health is further demonstrated by his leadership as director of the Health Promotion Research Center since 2007. This center, supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stands as a testament to his ability to secure funding and drive impactful research initiatives.
Dean Howard Frumkin emphasized the qualities that make Harris an exceptional choice for Chair, stating, “Jeff will bring a combination of passionate dedication to public health, extraordinary academic and managerial credentials, strong commitment to each and every program in the Health Services Department, an equally strong commitment to the Department’s external relationships and collaborations, and an inspiring vision for a strong, thriving Department going forward.” This endorsement highlights not only Harris’s professional capabilities but also his interpersonal skills and vision for departmental growth.
Dr. Harris’s background as a board-certified internist and preventive medicine specialist provides a unique perspective that bridges clinical practice with population health strategies. His 20-year tenure at the CDC, commencing as an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer, offered him invaluable frontline experience in public health crises and management. Notably, he served as the first AIDS Coordinator at the U.S. Agency for International Development, where he spearheaded a program that expanded to over 70 countries, showcasing his global health leadership and program development expertise.
His contributions extend to the very infrastructure of healthcare quality measurement. While at the CDC, Harris was instrumental in developing the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) measures. This tool is now utilized by over 90 percent of health plans in America to evaluate their performance across critical aspects of care and service. Furthermore, his involvement in creating the Guide to Community Preventive Services, a widely recognized resource for evidence-based public health practices, underscores his commitment to translating research into practical applications.
Since joining the University of Washington in 2001, Harris has focused his research on the crucial areas of dissemination and implementation of evidence-based approaches to chronic disease prevention, healthy aging, and workplace health promotion. His collaboration with the American Cancer Society (ACS) led to the development of ACS Workplace Solutions, a program incorporating evidence-based practices that has reached 1700 workplaces, impacting 6.9 million employees across 42 states. This initiative exemplifies his ability to translate research into large-scale, real-world health improvements.
Looking ahead, Harris articulated his vision for the Department of Health Services, emphasizing four key priorities. These include: 1) maintaining excellence in the training of future health administrators, health informatics specialists, public health practitioners, and research scientists; 2) actively working to reduce health disparities within Washington State and the Pacific Northwest through collaborative research and service initiatives with community organizations, health systems, and public health agencies; 3) fostering a more diverse and inclusive environment for students, staff, and faculty; and 4) ensuring the financial stability of the Department amidst a challenging funding landscape for higher education and research. His forward-thinking approach acknowledges the current healthcare reform environment and the unprecedented opportunity to enhance both healthcare delivery and population health outcomes.
Holding an MD from the University of Texas (Southwestern), an MPH from Johns Hopkins, and an MBA from UW, Dr. Harris’s academic achievements are as impressive as his professional accomplishments. His ongoing research and numerous accolades, including the Meritorious Honor Award from the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Distinguished Service Medal from the U.S. Public Health Service, reflect his significant contributions to the field. As an author of over 100 peer-reviewed papers and a member of esteemed organizations like the American Epidemiological Society and the American College of Preventive Medicine, Harris embodies the expertise and leadership needed to guide the Department of Health Services into a successful future. His appointment as Chair positions him as a key figure in shaping the future of health services and public health leadership, operating at a level of strategic influence above program chairs and directly impacting the direction of healthcare administration and research within the university and beyond.
