Josh Harris serves as the Vice President of Public Engagement for the Obama Foundation where he oversees government affairs, tourism and community impact, and stakeholder engagement. Josh is charged with implementing a plan to build support for the Obama Presidential Center and its programs and expand local impact ahead of the Obama Presidential Center opening.


Josh is a community organizer at heart, having worked on various issue campaigns throughout the country upon graduating from college. In 2011, he joined President Obama’s re-election campaign and served as a senior staff member in the battleground state of North Carolina. Prior to joining the Obama Foundation, Josh worked on the advocacy team for AARP Illinois and in the offices of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and former Chicago City Treasurer Kurt Summers.


Josh is an active member of the community and is a graduate of Black Bench Chicago, Crain’s Leadership Academy, and New Leaders Council.