Thomas Keith Harris

Thomas (Keith) Harris, Founder of the Ernest Harris Foundation.

Keith Harris, grandson of the Foundation’s namesake, began creating the frame work for the organization in 2002. Shortly after graduating from high school, his entrepreneurial sprit led him to create an entertainment business in 1987. Relying on his passion for journalism, politics and marketing he found himself promoting local and regional acts and brokering tour sponsorships through partnerships with companies such as Bacardi Limited, Miller Brewing and Budweiser.

Shortly after meeting Jenefer Proveaux, the woman that would become his wife in 2000, and experiencing a downturn in business Keith decided to change careers and focus on building a family. Through much luck he ended up with an organization dedicated to leadership training and personal development. In 2003 he attended a Personalized Leadership Development Program, which reinvigorated his passion to make a difference for both his family and others.

Keith wanted to honor the memory of his grandfather and the core values Ernest quietly instilled into the Harris family. Ernest Harris was a Bronze Star decorated WWII veteran that spent his pre and post war career working in the textile industry in NC. The love, devotion and respect which Ernest demonstrated to his friends and family left a profound impact on Keith.

Growing very tired of watching the world and the media compromise “doing what is right” for “doing what is politically correct”, Keith decided to add a public voice to the leadership, integrity, work ethic and compassion that Ernest lived by.

Today Keith Harris is the Vice President of Sales Support for Boozer Lumber Company in Columbia SC. He joined Boozer in 2000 and focuses his energy on the process management, team building, personal and professional development of a staff designed to support the company’s business development initiatives.

Keith Harris is a published writer on the subjects for personal and leadership development. He has also written articles and consults on business management and human capital investment.