Harriss has developed broad knowledge of ship operations and management since joining the company in 1999. He has held a variety of operating positions in the company including management of spot market, container and government vessels. Harriss also spent a year in Copenhagen, Denmark in an exchange program between technical management organizations. Most recently, Harriss was a commercial fleet manager in MLL's technical organization.
Before joining MLL, Harriss sailed with the Military Sealift Command, and he has continued his military service as a Naval Reserve Officer, supporting recovery efforts with the US Navy's Second Fleet in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita and serving a year in Iraq under Joint Operations Command. Harris graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy and received master's degrees from Old Dominion University and Troy University.