Dr. Roderick Harris has served in the public health field for 25 years, culminating with his appointment as the health commissioner of the Cuyahoga County Board of Health in 2022. His background includes direct program and administrative experience in environmental health, community health, violence prevention, and equity-based policies and strategies.

A native Clevelander, Dr. Harris understands the health concerns that impact our area. His acumen for grant writing, program development and policy analysis will provide valuable direction as our agency continues to evolve and respond to the needs of our communities.

Collaboration and partnership have been cornerstones of our region’s health landscape for decades. Dr. Harris looks forward to supporting these long-standing ideals and practices, which have helped to make our agency a leader among local health departments nationwide.

Professional Experience

Deputy Director, Community Health & Disease Prevention
Allegheny County Health Department, Pittsburgh, PA

Director, Center for Health Equity
Sedgwick County Health Department, Wichita, KS

Association for Schools of Public Health
CDC/Preventive Research Centers Minority Fellowship

American Evaluation Association
Duquesne University Graduate Diversity Internship Program

Behavioral & Community Health Sciences’ Doctoral Internship in Evaluation Studies

University of Pittsburgh- Center for Minority Health

Education

University of Pittsburgh- Graduate School of Public Health
Doctor of Public Health (DrPH), Community & Behavioral Health Sciences

Meharry Medical College
Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH), Health Services Administration

Ohio University
Bachelor of Science (BS), Environmental Health