Georgia Harris has stepped into the role of executive director for Playworks Arizona, a non-profit aimed at enriching the lives of children through play and adult education, as confirmed on Monday. She inherits the mantle of guiding operations throughout Arizona, where the organization facilitates programs in elementary schools and community establishments, said ABC15 News.
Kerryann Tomlinson, Vice President of Field Operations for Playworks, heralded Harris's arrival, stating, "Playworks is excited to have Georgia onboard, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience which will forge the Arizona region for years to come," and noting her innovative contributions to the longstanding mission of fostering play, her established track record in cultivating community partnerships plays a foundational role in her appointment. Established in Oakland, California, nearly thirty years ago, Playworks has expanded its reach nationwide, with the Arizona chapter serving the region for over a decade, the Business Journal reports.
As the newly appointed executive director, Harris will spearhead efforts to impact 600,000 youths across more than 1,300 schools and community organizations in the 2023-2024 academic period, leveraging game-play to build academic readiness and support healthy child development. This undertaking is central to the non-profit's strategy outlined, according to an article by The Business Journal.
Harris's career spans more than 20 years in various sectors including education, social services, and non-profit management, she has served Arizona youth and families through multiple initiatives and organizations like The Foundations of Autism, the American Psychological Association, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, her experience is expected to significantly influence her leadership at Playworks. Additionally, she is a recognized figure in academia and community engagement, guest lecturing at Northern Arizona University and participating in critical educational task forces in Arizona.
In 2023, Harris's substantial contribution to the community was acknowledged when she was honored as one of Phoenix Business Journal’s Outstanding Women in Business for her instrumental role in establishing the Goodwill Excel Center, Arizona’s first adult charter high school. Echoing her commitment, Harris stated, "Playworks is committed to developing the leadership potential and conflict-resolution skills of this nation’s future citizens," and, " I aim to use my range of diverse skills and experiences, to encourage lasting partnerships and expansion of this great mission and vision into future generations", as reported by The Business Journal.
