Jeffrey Harris, alongside his wife Joan, relocated to San Diego and became members of Beth Israel in early 2022. Shortly after joining, Jeff actively engaged with the Men’s Club and was elected Men’s Club President, demonstrating his commitment and leadership abilities early on.
Joan contributes significantly to the Social Action Network and enjoys pursuing her interests in pickleball and kayaking. Jeff also dedicates time as a volunteer crew member on the Tall Ships at the San Diego Maritime Museum.
Originally from the Los Angeles area, Jeff and Joan moved to Northern California for their education and early careers, before spending thirty years in the Washington DC area – a one-year sabbatical unexpectedly extended. After raising two daughters who pursued careers in science and establishing their retirement home on the Chesapeake, they moved to San Diego to be closer to three of their grandchildren in Scripps Ranch, while also maintaining a close relationship with two other grandchildren in Kansas City.
Jeff has an extensive 40-year career in energy conservation policy, beginning his professional journey at the California Energy Commission, progressing through UC’s Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, and culminating at the non-profit Alliance to Save Energy. He holds an undergraduate degree in Economics from Stanford University and a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from UC Berkeley.