Dr. Mary S. Harris is a molecular geneticist, public health leader, entrepreneur, and commercialization strategist with more than three decades of experience advancing healthcare innovation. Throughout her career, she has worked at the intersection of science, public health, education, and entrepreneurship, helping translate scientific discoveries into practical solutions that improve lives, expand opportunity, and strengthen communities.

As Georgia's first Director of Genetic Services, Dr. Harris established statewide newborn genetic screening initiatives and led programs that expanded access to genetic testing and counseling. Her pioneering work in newborn screening and sickle cell disease helped shape public health practice throughout the southeastern United States and demonstrated the power of early detection to improve health outcomes.

Dr. Harris is the founder and CEO of Dr. Mary Harris Enterprises, LLC, where she advises entrepreneurs, research institutions, healthcare organizations, and technology-based companies on commercialization strategy, innovation, and non-dilutive funding. Earlier in her career, as founder and CEO of BioTechnical Communications, Inc., she served as Principal Investigator on 12 National Institutes of Health (NIH) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) awards and has since advised on numerous and varied SBIR/STTR funding and commercialization initiatives.

Dr. Harris is honored to serve on the Board of the Academy for Innovation in Medicine because its mission aligns closely with her lifelong commitment to expanding educational opportunity and improving public health. She believes AIM is creating meaningful pathways for students to enter rewarding allied health careers while helping strengthen Georgia's future healthcare workforce.

She brings to the AIM Board a unique combination of scientific expertise, public health leadership, entrepreneurial experience, and a passion for preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.