Dr. Otto Harris to Join the Western North Carolina Extended Cabinet

Dr. Otto Harris will join the Western North Carolina Extended Cabinet, effective July 1, 2020. Dr. Harris leads the Comprehensive Plan of Equity, a conference-wide initiative centered around anti-racism in Western North Carolina launched last year. This effort is the result of a grassroots movement emerging from a variety of places in our conference, from our churches and pastors and from our episcopal office and cabinet, to continue and strengthen our work to address inclusivity, diversity and equity. While this is not a salaried position, it will allow Dr. Harris to consult with the cabinet regarding the goals and mission of this comprehensive plan.
 
Dr. Harris is also the senior pastor of Saint Mark’s United Methodist Church in Charlotte and is an ordained elder in the Western North Carolina Conference. He has a bachelor’s degree from the North Carolina A&T State University, a Master of Divinity degree from the Hood Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Educational Studies with a concentration in Cultural Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Dr. Harris is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He also serves as an adjunct faculty member of the Hood Theological Seminary along with numerous leadership positions in our conference and denomination.