Joseph Harris, Give Back Award Winner
Coach. Servant Leader. Youth Advocate.
Ask Joseph Harris about himself, and he’ll quickly shift the spotlight to the young athletes who call him Coach Joe. The Johnson & Johnson manager can barely finish one story before sharing another. As a child, he followed his father, a 10-year NFL veteran, to the gym, where he developed the confidence and discipline he now instills in others. Today, as a youth sports coach and director of local projects for Forsyth County Sports Club, he helps children who otherwise could not afford to play. More meaningful than any trophy is seeing a once-hesitant child gain confidence and welcome someone new to the team.
Why does working with young people mean so much to you?
I think about how I grew up and the support I needed. I want every kid to have a chance to grow and be special in whatever they choose. Some don’t have the means to attend camps, so we sponsor them. Sports build confidence, teach them to work with a team and help them become more selfless. That means more to me than anything I’ve accomplished professionally.
What’s a moment that made you especially proud to be Coach Joe?
Mario was once so shy that I had to encourage him to participate. He’s brilliant, ambitious and now entering eight grade, where he continues to play sports and hopes to become a coach. Today, he welcomes other hesitant kids so they can have the same positive experience. I’m equally proud when former participants go to college and return to the program. They’re all like my own kids, and I could share their stories all day.
What does servant leadership look like in everyday life?
It means stepping back and asking, ‘How can I help someone else succeed? How can I lift them up?’ That may involve encouraging a young athlete, speaking at a school or church or helping a nonprofit raise funds. I’ve supported Livreal’s efforts to rebuild schools in underserved communities, Breakthrough T1D’s diabetes research and the Will to Win Foundation’s counseling, mentoring and drug-prevention programs for at-risk youth. Young people need someone they can trust with their struggles—someone who recognizes their potential. When they doubt themselves, they need someone who can say, ‘I’ve felt that way too,’ and show them what support can make possible.
You were hesitant to enter the Over 40 & Fabulous contest. What changed your mind?
I want kids to see what can happen when you step outside your comfort zone and think, ‘If Coach Joe did it, I can too.’ More importantly, I want the spotlight to return to them. My goal is to build connections that expand this work beyond Forsyth County and across Georgia. If the magazine inspires even one person to help, it will be worthwhile.
“Joe has helped create opportunities, hope and positive change for countless individuals and families.” —Pamela Stribling, Coworker & Over 40 Alum
