Edentonian. Lax dad. Certified whole hog barbecue judge.
Harris has more than 20 years of communications experience. Intricate organization situations that require high-level effective communications strategies and hands-on client leadership are his specialty. An entrepreneur at heart, Harris has an intrinsic aptitude for understanding client goals.
Before launching Eckel & Vaughan, Harris spent eight years developing and implementing marketing and advertising plans for Rockett Burkhead & Winslow clients. Prior to that, Harris helped launch a 50-state business and policy news gathering service for The Washington Post Company. Additionally, Harris worked in public policy on Capitol Hill, an experience that sharpened his gift for building relationships and reacting in fast-paced environments.
When the ravages of Hurricane Matthew struck North Carolina in 2016, the seeds of what would become The Sunday Supper were sown. In 2017 the Public Relations Society of America recognized Eckel & Vaughan, and the local agencies and volunteers with whom they collaborated, with The Silver Anvil for their community service. Harris and The Sunday Supper vision partners have ultimately created an event platform adaptable to any community in order to bring people together at one table to share a meal, celebrate commonalities, and raise funds for local charity. Harris remains the co-executive director and a board member of The Sunday Supper.
Harris holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, as well as an undergraduate degree from UNC-CH in political science. Harris balances career, service to community, and family life—while taking fun seriously for good measure as a certified whole hog barbecue judge. A native of Edenton, Harris, his wife, Ashley, and their three children call Raleigh, home.