I served as the Director of the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Epidemiology Center (GLITEC) for a period of ten years between 2006 and 2016, serving 34 Tribes and four urban Indian health programs in the three states of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. During my tenure at GLITEC, I oversaw the administration of several community-based grants in collaboration with CDC fiscal and program officials. Establishing effective and meaningful relationships with Tribal elders, leaders and community members requires thoughtful, dedicated action and support built upon a foundation mutual respect. Zach Harris, serving as a project officer, stands out as one of the best. Zach demonstrates patience, kindness and humility in all interactions. Zach strives for cultural concordance through understanding the importance of trust, Tribal governance and historical impacts affecting American Indian and Alaska Natives. I highly recommend Zach and his ability to provide community based technical assistance. Zach is not only a knowledgeable and capable partner, he is a caring and passionate person that I have had the pleasure of knowing.

Zach has been working in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Program for over fifteen years. He has worked with Native American Tribes throughout the United States, attended Tribal ceremonies, pow wows, and knows and understand the differences in ceremonial and commercial tobacco. His efforts are towards prevention, policy, and health equity in the tobacco field. He understands local, state, and nationwide policy and procedures in prevention relating to the effects of tobacco and the health of people. He has also assisted with writing grants, helped with action plans and evaluation approaches. Zach has experience with writing budgets to understand how to meet appropriate guidelines. Zach has accomplished all the above while maintaining Tribal trust, a positive attitude, and lasting friendships outside of his work. In his next venture, he will continue to develop ways to establish being a Team Leader working with Tribes on their health advancement efforts. It has been a pleasure working with Zach and maintaining a true friendship which I highly value. Anyone who develops policies, procedures and uses the best practices to save lives is a valuable asset to have, Zach has assisted in saving lives and learning about the Tribal people as he makes great strides to accomplish his goals.

Mr. Harris is an expert advisor for tribal and community organizations. He is extremely knowledgeable, resourceful, and supportive. His years of experience in federal program implementation and grant management will equip any organization with the support that's needed for a successful program.

Zach Harris is an incredible support for tribal communities. Working with Zach in tribal public health to decrease chronic conditions was wonderful. He was influential in providing guidance that allowed for the Tribes to create policy, systems and environmental changes that are culturally driven. Navigating federal agencies can be difficult for Tribal people, but Zach made the processes effortless by advocating continuously for Tribal strategies to be recognized by these agencies. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Zach and deeply impressed with his ability to listen, understand, and connect.