Kathryn J. Harris, MS, LAT, ATC
Dryden
Summary
Sports medicine and healthcare leader with 17+ years of experience advancing athlete health, safety, wellness, and performance across NCAA athletics, healthcare systems, and secondary school settings. Proven success leading multidisciplinary healthcare teams, developing comprehensive sports medicine programs, and implementing evidence-based health and safety initiatives that support organizational excellence and athlete well-being.
Experienced in healthcare administration, risk management, concussion management, policy development, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning. Recognized for building collaborative partnerships among physicians, mental health providers, coaches, administrators, and healthcare executives to create integrated approaches to student-athlete care and performance optimization.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Associate AD for Sports Medicine Administration
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
08.2023 - Current
- Provide leadership for sports medicine operations supporting 37 intercollegiate athletics programs and over 1200 student-athletes.
- Direct strategic planning and administration of comprehensive healthcare services focused on athlete health, safety, wellness, and performance.
- Collaborate with physicians, healthcare executives, coaches, mental health providers, and performance specialists to deliver integrated care models.
- Lead policy development, risk management initiatives, emergency preparedness planning, and regulatory compliance efforts. (ACHA)
- Oversee staffing, operational processes, and quality improvement initiatives within sports medicine services.
- Serve as a key liaison between athletics, healthcare providers, institutional leadership, and external stakeholders.
- Streamlined operations by optimizing resource allocation and budget management.
- Athletic trainer for the women's ice hockey team.
Associate Head Athletic Trainer
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
08.2020 - 08.2023
- Assisted in leadership and administration of sports medicine services for NCAA athletics programs.
- Coordinated multidisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure high-quality athlete care.
- Served as the athletic department's Athletic Health Care Administrator (ACHA) and led strategic planning, policy development, and operational management initiatives.
- Mentored athletic training staff of and students while supporting departmental growth and service excellence.
- Supervised athletic training staff of 17, fostering professional development and collaboration.
- Athletic trainer for the women's ice hockey team.
Assistant Athletic Trainer
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
01.2014 - 08.2020
- Provided sports medicine coverage for women's ice hockey and non-championship coverage of softball and men's and women's soccer.
- Assisted in developing and implementing injury prevention programs for student-athletes.
- Evaluated athletic injuries and determined appropriate treatment plans for recovery.
- Collaborated with coaching staff to optimize athlete performance and wellness strategies.
- Provided on-ice emergency care during practices and competitions to ensure athlete safety.
- Delivered comprehensive healthcare services for NCAA student-athletes.
- Managed injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, and return-to-play decisions.
- Collaborated with physicians, coaches, and campus stakeholders to support athlete wellness and performance.
- Reviewed and updated concussion management policies and emergency action protocols for all venues.
Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
08.2012 - 01.2014
- Provided sports medicine coverage primarily for women's ice hockey and non-championship season for softball and men's and women's soccer teams, while completing graduate studies.
- Assisted in developing and implementing rehabilitation programs for student-athletes.
- Collaborated with coaching staff to assess player injuries and recovery timelines.
- Conducted pre-participation physical examinations to ensure athlete readiness.
- Educated athletes on injury prevention strategies and proper conditioning techniques.
- Developed and maintained comprehensive athlete health records using electronic documentation systems.
Athletic Trainer
Elmira City School District
Elmira, NY
08.2008 - 06.2012
- Developed and implemented sports medicine services for secondary school athletes.
- Coordinated healthcare communication among physicians, parents, coaches, and school administrators.
- Directed injury prevention, emergency response, and athlete education programs.
- Established protocols promoting athlete safety and wellness.
- Evaluated and treated sports-related injuries using evidence-based practices.
- Created the concussion return to play protocol used by district athletic trainers and nursing staff for all students.
- Collaborated with coaches to assess injuries and implement preventative strategies for athlete safety.
- Provided education sessions for coaches, administrators and parents.
Education
Master of Science - Sports Psychology
Ithaca College
Ithaca, NY05-2014
Bachelor of Science - Exercise Science/Athletic Training
Ithaca College
Ithaca, NY05-2008
Certification
- Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC), 2008–Present
- Licensed Athletic Trainer for New York State
- CPR/AED/First Aid for the Professional Rescuer Certification
Timeline
Associate AD for Sports Medicine Administration
Cornell University
08.2023 - Current
Associate Head Athletic Trainer
Cornell University
08.2020 - 08.2023
Assistant Athletic Trainer
Cornell University
01.2014 - 08.2020
Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer
Cornell University
08.2012 - 01.2014
Athletic Trainer
Elmira City School District
08.2008 - 06.2012
Master of Science - Sports Psychology
Ithaca College
Bachelor of Science - Exercise Science/Athletic Training
Ithaca College