We are excited to welcome the new Dr. William M. Harris Fund for Chiropractic Advancement and related funds to Cobb Community Foundation. Since Dr. Harris’ passing in 2008, his long-time administrative assistant, Jane Goodwin, has served as executive director of the WMHFF. Her impending retirement required the board to explore how it would continue Dr. Harris’s vision without Jane at the helm. Over the past year and with the assistance of consultant Mary Judson, former President of The Goizueta Foundation and Principal of the Judson Advisory Group, the board explored numerous options but ultimately selected Cobb Community Foundation to help fulfill the WMHFF mission.
WMHFF Board member Tim Ayres, retired partner of Moore Colson, had suggested CCF early in the process. Dr. Harris’ long-time affiliation with Cobb County-based Life University created a natural connection, but what ultimately clinched the new partnership was CCF’s ability and desire to customize its services to ensure Dr. Harris’ legacy will continue and his impact furthered. CCF will manage an annual grant application process that will be advised by WMHFF (former) board members and will also ensure that the terms of future commitments of WMHFF are fulfilled and the commitments are honored through the tailoring of its own fund agreements. Additionally, the investment manager engaged originally by WMHFF will continue to manage all assets to be held in the various William M. Harris funds at CCF.
Dr. William M. Harris dedicated his entire professional career to advancing chiropractic care and educating others in the field. In 1978, he founded the Foundation for the Advancement of Chiropractic Education (FACE), which later became the William M. Harris Family Foundation (WMHFF). Throughout his lifetime, he donated over $11 million to support chiropractic education and research. Dr. Harris encouraged the chiropractic community to support similar initiatives, ensuring that his contributions were maximized for greater impact.
Legacy was paramount to Dr. Harris, and his foundation’s board continues to honor this value after his passing. At least five chiropractic colleges have buildings named after him, including the William M. Harris Center for Clinical Education at Life University. Dr. Harris played a crucial role in transforming Life University from a struggling institution in 2004 into one of the most respected chiropractic programs in the nation.
Beyond chiropractic education and research, the WMHFF also supported various programs aimed at improving children’s lives, with Eagle Ranch in Flowery Branch, Georgia, being a significant beneficiary. Historically, about 25% of WMHFF’s contributions have been directed towards humanitarian causes. Its board members are working closely with CCF and others to structure fund agreements and grant schedules to ensure that Dr. Harris’ objectives are met.
We are honored to be able to continue the work of Dr. Harris and the WMHFF board.
