Jody Harris

Jody Harris is a distinguished Government Funding Executive and thought leader with a 30-year career spanning federal, consulting, and entrepreneurial roles. She has built a reputation as a trusted advisor to non-profits, small businesses, and for-profit organizations, guiding them in securing federal loan programs, grants, and state incentives to drive growth and innovation. With deep expertise in program eligibility, compliance, and strategic funding, Jody combines a pragmatic and innovative approach with strong entrepreneurial insight to help organizations achieve their objectives while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and quality.

Throughout her career, Jody has successfully secured nearly $700 million in government and private funding for hundreds of clients, including $20 million in guaranteed loan funding in 2020 and $85 million in 2021. She has also obtained $400,000 in grants for small businesses and played an instrumental role in founding two non-profit organizations—the Rural Energy Alliance and the Northwest Energy Coalition—supporting communities across Oklahoma, Wyoming, Arkansas, and South Dakota. Known for her dynamic presentation skills and ability to foster strong, long-term relationships, Jody empowers clients and partners by providing end-to-end guidance, from initial assessment to program implementation, while driving sustainable impact and measurable results.

In addition to her extensive funding expertise, Jody is the founder and owner of the Rib Cook-Off Association, which she launched after 13 years as a professional pit master. Under her leadership, she revitalized a waning sport into a globally recognized organization by implementing affordable participation fees and incorporating a philanthropic component, raising funds for multiple charitable causes. The association, now active in Europe and New Zealand, will be featured at New York Fashion Week, showcasing signature hats with proceeds benefiting farmers who supply feedstock for competitive cooks. Recognized by Dirk Mullens, president of Memphis in May, as the fastest-growing sanctioning body in the world, Jody exemplifies the fusion of professional excellence, entrepreneurial vision, and community impact, balancing her accomplishments in government funding with her passion for mentorship, culinary arts, and global community engagement.

• National Association of Professional Women

• Rib Cook-Off Association