June 24, 2008
John Fitzgerald Harris
Fisk University, B.S. '86
Case Western Reserve University School of Law, '89
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Current home: Dearborn, Michigan
Fisk University's tradition of excellence and its rich history of educating many of the country's foremost African American scholars, historians, physicians, lawyers, educators, and other professionals was reason enough for John Fitzgerald Harris to seek admission.
He also looked forward to the rigorous course of study and the many activities in which he could involve himself. A chemistry major, Mr. Fitzgerald joined the Chemistry Club, German Club, was president of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, and a member of the Panhellenic Council.
Although his graduation in 1986 is memorable, what really stands out about his Fisk years is the financial challenges many historically black colleges and universities faced in the late 1980s. Mr. Harris notes the students' love for the institution led to their involvement in fund raising and philanthropic endeavors to help the university survive a tough time. "These struggles brought us closer together as students and developed in me a sense of purpose and resilience in the face of adversity."
Classmate Caryn Hines, then a student at Case School of Law, encouraged him to consider applying. He liked what the law school offered—talented faculty, successful and socially committed alumni, a diverse student body, an outstanding national reputation, and job placement assistance.
During law school, the future drum major for justice received the Dean Dunmore Prize for first place in the Moot Court Competition, the John Wragg Kellogg Prize for academic achievement, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Award. He was president of the Black Law Students Association.
He began work with the Ford Motor Co. as an attorney in the Product Litigation Practice Group. He received a promotion to Consumer Litigation Practice Group and, in 1997, joined the company's Distribution Practice Group as senior attorney. His legal skills garnered another promotion to legal counsel for the company's Lincoln Mercury and Premier Automotive Group, where he worked for four years. In between, he completed the Duke University Fuqua School of Business Ford Executive Education Program for Strategic Marketing in 1999.
Mr. Harris is now the assistant general counsel for Distribution and Transactions, making him one of the youngest executives in Ford's history. He leads a group of attorneys and law professionals responsible for providing legal advice on matters of distribution such as general sales, marketing, and advertising involving all of Ford-owned brands such as Lincoln-Mercury, Mazda, Volvo, and Land Rover, plus the company's Customer Service Division. He also oversees a group of attorneys whose scope of responsibilities range from corporate transactions to real estate.
Mr. Harris lives with his wife, June Renee Allen Jones, and sons Allen and Joshua, in Dearborn, Michigan.
Harris honored as one of the most influential African Americans
Mr. Harris was included in the May 2008 issue (page 86) of Ebony magazine as one of the "150 Most Influential African Americans in the United States." John was recognized for his work as a Ford Motor Co. executive. Learn more.
Posted by: Heidi Cool June 24, 2008 10:54 AM
Category: Alumni
, Legacy
, School of Law