Brian Harris: A Visionary Leader in Global Philanthropy and Impact Innovation
Brian Harris is a name synonymous with purpose-driven leadership, cross-continental collaboration, and innovative philanthropy. As the Chief Operating Officer at To.org Foundation, based in Nairobi County, Kenya, Harris has built a career around connecting capital with impact and empowering initiatives that reshape communities. With extensive experience in the United States, Switzerland, Uganda, Kenya, and Senegal, he has established himself as a leader in social innovation and global development. This article explores his life, career, values, and the remarkable contributions he has made to international non-profit and philanthropic landscapes.
Early Life and Education
The Academic Journey of Brian Harris
Brian Harris pursued higher education at the University of California, Berkeley, a world-class institution that shaped his perspective on social justice, governance, and cross-cultural engagement. His time at Berkeley instilled in him the values of inclusivity, intellectual curiosity, and the importance of public service.
His academic background provided not only theoretical knowledge but also practical frameworks for addressing the world’s most pressing issues. This educational foundation would later influence his approach to leadership, philanthropy, and organisational management.
Professional Career
Chief Operating Officer at To.org Foundation
Since November 2019, Brian Harris has served as the Chief Operating Officer at To.org Foundation. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, this role has allowed him to manage and execute complex strategies across multidimensional, mission-driven projects.
To.org Foundation is known for its commitment to advancing social good, supporting innovators, and backing creative solutions to global challenges. As COO, Harris leverages his expertise to connect capital with projects that have real and lasting impact. His leadership style is defined by collaboration, inclusivity, and a deep understanding of the philanthropic landscape.
Key Achievements at To.org Foundation
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Successfully conceptualised and implemented strategies that scale impact across multiple geographies.
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Facilitated partnerships between investors, activists, and innovators, ensuring funding and sustainability for critical projects.
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Helped build a platform that unites philanthropy with entrepreneurship, encouraging innovative approaches to solving humanitarian and environmental challenges.
Director of Programs at The Josef & Anni Albers Foundation
Between January 2016 and January 2019, Harris worked as Director of Programs at The Josef & Anni Albers Foundation in Dakar, Senegal. Here, he focused on building arts and culture programmes that intersected with community development. His work helped foster creativity while simultaneously addressing social needs.
Contributions
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Promoted cultural exchange and artistic empowerment in West Africa.
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Developed programmes that highlighted the power of creativity in building resilient communities.
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Strengthened collaborations between the foundation and local organisations, blending art with social progress.
Service with the Peace Corps
From September 2013 to November 2016, Brian Harris dedicated over three years as an Agent of Change with the Peace Corps in Senegal. His work here demonstrates his passion for grassroots engagement and sustainable development.
Areas of Focus
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Community empowerment through education, healthcare, and infrastructure projects.
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Building local capacity for sustainable growth.
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Encouraging cultural exchange and fostering understanding across borders.
This chapter of his career highlights Harris’s commitment to working directly with communities, understanding their unique challenges, and co-creating solutions.
Partnerships & Impact Advisor
Prior to his Peace Corps service, Harris held the position of Partnerships & Impact Advisor at a Private Family Office in New York from June 2011 to August 2013. This role allowed him to explore innovative philanthropic models and establish connections between private capital and social good.
Impact
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Designed funding strategies that maximised both financial returns and social outcomes.
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Built partnerships between family offices, non-profits, and social enterprises.
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Developed a deeper understanding of the global philanthropic ecosystem.
Volunteer Work and Global Contributions
Coalition Member: The Great Green Wall
From April 2023 to April 2024, Brian Harris contributed as a Coalition Member of the Great Green Wall initiative through UpLink – World Economic Forum. The Great Green Wall is one of Africa’s most ambitious environmental programmes, aimed at restoring degraded landscapes and combating climate change.
Harris’s role in this coalition reflects his environmental commitment and his ability to use networks to strengthen large-scale ecological efforts.
Official Nominator: The Earthshot Prize
In July 2025, Harris became an Official Nominator for the Earthshot Prize, one of the world’s most prestigious environmental awards. This recognition highlights his status as a trusted leader in sustainability and innovation. His responsibility involves identifying and supporting groundbreaking solutions that can tackle climate and ecological challenges globally.
Philosophy and Leadership Style
Connector and Cross-Pollinator
Brian Harris describes himself as a connector and cross-pollinator between capital and impact. His unique strength lies in bridging the gap between resources and ideas. Whether working with activists, innovators, or investors, he brings together diverse stakeholders to achieve meaningful results.
Mission-Driven Leadership
Harris thrives in mission-driven environments where purpose outweighs profit. His career demonstrates a consistent commitment to philanthropy, sustainability, and cross-cultural collaboration.
Legacy and Ongoing Impact
Brian Harris’s legacy is not confined to one region or organisation. His work has spanned North America, Europe, and Africa, demonstrating his ability to adapt and innovate across diverse cultural and economic landscapes.
By building philanthropic entities in the United States, Switzerland, Uganda, Kenya, and Senegal, he has created models of collaboration that can be replicated across the globe. His leadership has shown that with vision, creativity, and persistence, it is possible to align capital with purpose and bring about transformative social change.
Conclusion
Brian Harris exemplifies the qualities of a modern leader in philanthropy and social impact. From his academic roots at the University of California, Berkeley, to his grassroots service in Senegal, and his global leadership at To.org Foundation, Harris has consistently proven his dedication to building a better world.
With his ongoing contributions to environmental initiatives such as the Great Green Wall and his role as an Earthshot Prize Nominator, his influence continues to grow. Brian Harris is more than a Chief Operating Officer; he is a visionary connector, a strategist, and a true advocate for mission-driven change.
