Chris Harris

Chris Harris is Assistant Vice President of Government and Community Relations at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), where he leads the university’s engagement with the fast-evolving semiconductor industry in New York and across the country. Chris works to align RIT’s strengths in workforce development, applied research, and regional economic growth with national priorities under the CHIPS and Science Act and New York’s Green CHIPS initiative.

A recreational semiconductor enthusiast, Chris plays a key role in two major initiatives with Micron Technology: the Northeast University Semiconductor Network and UPWARDS for the Future, a groundbreaking effort to grow a more inclusive and robust talent pipeline. He collaborates closely with leaders in industry, government, and higher education to strengthen the talent, infrastructure, and policy foundation needed for U.S. semiconductor leadership.

Previously, Chris served as Executive Director of RIT Certified, the university’s workforce development arm for non-degree programming. He came to RIT after 15 years in campaigns and elections across New York and Florida. He holds a decidedly non-STEM degree in Political Science from Stetson University.