DBT40 Honoree: Isaac Harris

Title: Chief of Public Safety and Security

Workplace: Delaware Department of Health & Human Services

Age: 35

Isaac Harris | DBT PHOTO BY LUIGI CIUFFETELLI

Overseeing nearly 200 facilities and three dozen personnel throughout the state takes true leadership and dedication to making positive change. Isaac Harris, chief of public safety and security for Delaware Health and Social Services, is the one who ensures safety comes first at all of those locations.

As the first African American and youngest-ever chief of public safety for the state department, Harris exemplifies not only what it takes to lead on the job, but in the community as well. His dedication to the protection of Delawareans and state properties during the COVID-19 pandemic and leadership in the position earned him the Delaware Award for Heroism for demonstrating “outstanding judgment, exceptional courage, extraordinary decisiveness and presence of mind.”

In his free time, Harris performs under the name “Waldo Black,” hosting family-friendly events in an effort to uplift young people in the community. He has helped orchestrate talent shows, dance contests and fundraisers for local organizations such as the Andrew McDonough B+ (Be Positive) Foundation.

The newlywed enjoys developing new music in his free time, and writing a series of children’s books that explore and explain difficult topics that can be used by parents as a resource for introducing their children to life’s challenges

Harris develops music in his free time and writes a series of children’s books that explore complex topics that can be resourceful for parents introducing their children to life’s challenges.