Harry Black is a seasoned executive with extensive leadership experience in the public and private sectors. He has served as a city manager, chief administrative officer, chief financial officer, program manager, and chief procurement officer. A pioneer in performance management, Black has developed and implemented data-driven programs that enhance transparency, accountability, and service delivery.
Who or what inspired you to enter into public service?
There were several experiences that inspired me to enter into public service. Growing up in Baltimore under very disadvantaged circumstances, I saw how public policy and its implementation could do more as a means of effectively changing cities and the circumstances of children and families. My high school history teacher took me to a city council meeting, which was eye-opening and inspiring. That same year, I was selected to serve as a student page at the Maryland General Assembly. These experiences began to pull on me and very early on it became clear that public service was going to be my path.
What is your favorite class you have ever taught or took and why?
My favorite class was an introductory foreign affairs course I took while earning my graduate degree at the University of Virginia. For a semester, we did a deep dive into the Cuban Missile Crisis. This class and the way it was taught enlightened me. It allowed me to truly understand the essence of critical thinking, problem solving and decision making.
What advice would you give to those interested in pursuing public policy or public administration as a career?
I would tell those who are interested in pursuing public policy or public administration as a career that they should seek to understand and study both, because they are mutually inclusive. To be an effective public administrator, you must have a solid foundational understanding of the history of administration and the theories behind it. Understanding the why behind policy development/making will help practitioners become better at the practice of public administration. I would encourage them to seek out internships as early as possible as a means of learning about career possibilities, as well as developing a professional network.
What area of public policy interests you the most and why?
The area that interests me the most is the application of performance management and data analytics in the day-to-day operations of government. Leveraging these tools in ways that allow government to actualize/operationalize public policy, while driving performance and desired outcomes.
What is your favorite cuisine?
My favorite cuisine is good old American meat and potatoes.
What is your favorite hobby or activity that you enjoy doing in your free time?
I am a history buff and enjoy the time I spend in the gym.
Who in your life has been an influential mentor or inspiration for you?
So many people have helped me along the way, I cannot count them all. However, those who come to mind immediately are Michael Rogers, who gave me a couple of critical career opportunities and set a great example of a professional public administrator. Rafael Borras, who currently serves as the President and CEO of the Homeland Security & Defense Business Council. We worked together at ICMA many years ago. His friendship and mentorship through the years has been invaluable. He has been a great role model with respect to problem solving and effective communication. Finally, there is Kenneth Theobalds, Chair of the New York State Insurance Fund. Ken took a risk with a young thirty-something and made him the Assistant Director of Fiscal Management and Investments of the Fund. It worked out and we remain close friends to this day. He is a great mentor and models characteristics of humility, honesty and the importance of building up others.
What was your dream job as a child?
I thought I wanted to be a professional basketball player.
