Dr. Rueben Smith Joins Harris as Chief Growth Officer & Construction Management for Education Lead

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Harris & Associates (Harris) is thrilled to welcome Dr. Rueben Smith as the new Chief Growth Officer (CGO) and Construction Management (CM) Education Lead. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades, Dr. Smith brings a wealth of expertise in client relations, strategic growth, facilities management, and educational infrastructure development to this pivotal role.

Dr. Smith joins Harris following his tenure as Chief Facilities Officer for the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), where he led the $14.9B capital improvement construction program for the nation’s largest community college district. He spearheaded numerous initiatives to modernize and enhance the district’s facilities. His visionary approach to facility management, coupled with his commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency, and student-centered learning environments has been instrumental in shaping LACCD’s infrastructure and campus environments.

A Focused Investment in Harris’ Growth

In his new role as CGO & CM Education Lead, Dr. Smith will drive strategic growth initiatives, ensuring Harris continues to address the industry’s evolving needs with innovative solutions. He will draw from his market and business intelligence to elevate Harris’ approach to winning and delivering work for our trusted advisor clients and identify new opportunities for expansion. His leadership will be instrumental to advancing our Purpose to build equitable, resilient, and sustainable communities.

“Dr. Smith brings a visionary approach and a proven commitment to environmental stewardship, equity, and social justice that aligns seamlessly with Harris’ Purpose, Vision, and Shared Values,” said Michelle White, CEO of Harris. “Adding Rueben to our Executive Leadership Team further enhances Harris’ ability to shape a brighter future for the communities we serve and for our employee-owners."

Driving Excellence for Educational Institutions

In addition to his role as CGO, Dr. Smith will provide strategic leadership to the company’s Construction Management Education business line, He will oversee the development and execution of innovative solutions for educational institutions, ensuring projects meet the highest standards of quality and efficiency, while aligning with the latest industry trends and sustainability practices.

Dr. Smith holds undergraduate degrees in Civil Engineering and Mathematics, an MBA in Environmental Sustainability and a doctorate in Computer Science. His background in managing complex facility projects, along with his passion for advancing educational infrastructure, positions him to make a lasting impact at Harris and reflects a focused investment in the company’s growth.

“I am honored to join Harris & Associates, and I look forward to working with such a dynamic team of employee-owners, driven to provide meaningful impact for present and future generations.” said Dr. Smith. “I am eager to apply my experience and collaborate with our clients to create transformative educational environments that support learning and foster community engagement by doing more with less, but better.”

About Harris

Harris is a 100% employee-owned company focused on helping communities solve today's complex challenges in planning, financing, environmental compliance, civil engineering, and construction management. Our offices and project sites span the West Coast in California and Washington with a staff of over 280 employee-owners. We focus on serving clients in the municipal, water, transportation, and education markets. www.WeAreHarris.com