Kristie Harris, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Ellen Group, LLC, is an astute and transformational business and management consultant with a proven record of excellence in executive leadership and administration. Drawing upon more than two decades of expertise across financial management, operational efficiency, and human resources, Ms. Harris has established herself as a trusted advisor to institutions and organizations seeking sustainable growth, strategic transformation, and operational excellence.
Ms. Harris excels in financial analysis, compliance, and budget formulation, having spearheaded multi-billion-dollar budget operations and optimized fiscal policies to enhance organizational performance. Her proficiency in enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, including Banner, PeopleSoft, and Workday, underscores her technical expertise in integrating technology with financial operations.
As CEO of The Ellen Group, LLC, a Women-Owned Small Business that specializes in a wide range of financial management services, Ms. Harris drives results through tailored consulting services in financial management, project oversight, performance improvement, and change management. Her ability to identify and implement best practices has delivered measurable outcomes in cost reduction, enhanced productivity, and process optimization.
Previously, as Vice President of Finance and CFO at Lake-Sumter State College, Ms. Harris provided strategic counsel on fiscal and administrative matters, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and alignment with institutional goals. She developed internal controls, introduced fiscal policies promoting resource sustainability, and played a pivotal role in overseeing an operating and capital budget of over $60 million.
Her tenure at the University of Central Florida as Associate Vice President of Financial Affairs saw her oversee a $2 billion operating budget and lead transformative initiatives such as the university’s first incentive-based budget model and budget software tool. Additionally, Ms. Harris’s leadership enhanced transparency, improved Board fiscal reporting, and strengthened fiscal accountability across campus.
Ms. Harris’s leadership extends beyond finance, with significant achievements in human resources management. During her roles at New College of Florida, she designed recruitment strategies that reduced time-to-hire by 20%, spearheaded diversity and inclusion training, and developed the institution’s first flexible remote work policy. As a skilled negotiator, she led collective bargaining efforts and resolved complex employee relations issues, fostering a culture of collaboration and engagement.
With a robust foundation in public administration, Ms. Harris honed her skills during her tenure with the State University System of Florida (SUS). She coordinated state-wide budget strategies, supported legislative engagements, and developed methodologies for resource allocation that influenced policies at the highest levels of governance. She also served as the SUS representative for the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan under the State Board of Administration.
Ms. Harris earned her Master of Science in Public Administration, specializing in Public Financial Management and Budgeting, and a Bachelor of Science in Finance, both from Florida State University. She is currently pursing certifications as an Intuit QuickBooks Pro Advisor and an Enrolled Tax Agent.
Kristie Harris is a visionary leader whose dedication to excellence, strategic foresight, and commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable operations make her an invaluable asset to any organization. Her career reflects a balance of technical expertise and transformational leadership, driving measurable improvements across financial, operational, and human capital domains.
- Character: Kristie Harris is a trusted and ethical leader known for her commitment to integrity, collaboration, and fostering inclusive, high-performance cultures.
- Knowledge: With extensive expertise in financial management, human resources, and organizational development, she applies deep technical and operational knowledge to drive measurable outcomes.
- Strategic: Ms. Harris demonstrates exceptional strategic foresight, guiding organizations through complex transformations, optimizing resources, and implementing effective cost-reduction and growth strategies.
- Communication: She excels in clear, impactful communication, ensuring alignment across teams, stakeholders, and boards while facilitating collaboration and supporting organizational change.
