Michael Harris
West Jordan,UT
Summary
Operations Manager with extensive experience at Safe and Sound Services, recognized for strategic leadership and quality enhancement. Skilled in policy development and program management, fostering collaboration to improve service delivery and client satisfaction. Achieved notable increases in operational efficiency and stakeholder engagement through effective relationship building.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Operations Manager
Safe and Sound Services
09.2025 - Current
- In my role at Safe and Sound Services, I manage operations to ensure compliance with state regulations while overseeing the daily management of group homes, day programs and host home settings.
- I execute and maintain Safe and Sound's mission and vision by utilizing my learned skills in the strategic framework of Results Based Accountability.
- I focus on staff development and performance management so as to meet the health and safety needs for all clients with developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, or both which has resulted in improved service delivery and client outcomes.
- My leadership fosters a safe and inclusive environment, promoting both client and staff well-being as well as enhancing independence and quality of life in accordance with Utah's Setting's Rule.
Community-Based Services Reviewer
Utah Department of Health & Human Services
03.2025 - 09.2025
- In this role, I lead contract and program evaluations to ensure compliance with federal and state regulatory requirements, operational standards, and funding requirements.
- Focuses on regulatory adherence, risk mitigation, process documentation, and performance improvement to help agencies deliver effective, sustainable services.
- Use data-driven oversight to identify priority areas, guide resource allocation, and support leadership decision-making.
- The use of analytical problem solving skills contributed to building and creating strong, solutions-oriented relationships with providers, offering technical guidance and consultative support to enhance outcomes, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Operational Excellence Consultant
Utah Department of Health & Human Services
10.2023 - 03.2025
- Directed process optimization initiatives using the performance improvement framework Results Based Accountability to modernize data collection, reporting, and analytics.
- Enhanced organizational efficiency, reduced duplication, and improved cross-functional data use.
- Designed and delivered capacity-building programs to equip teams for sustained quality improvement and performance measurement to include creating workflows for various DHHS divisions.
- Contributed strategic insight through participation in policy development and interagency collaborations, aligning operations with statewide priorities and compliance requirements.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Access Officer
Utah Department of Health & Human Services
04.2021 - 10.2023
- Developed and executed workforce inclusion strategies to advance equity and expand professional development opportunities, including a department-wide internship program to engage emerging talent and support succession planning.
- Collaborated with executive leadership to revise policies promoting cultural equity, psychological safety, and inclusive practices.
- Built strategic partnerships with community organizations to broaden recruitment, enhance employer branding, and develop sustainable pipelines for diverse talent.
Quality & Contract Manager
Utah Department of Health & Human Services
10.2020 - 04.2021
- Managed contract administration, overseeing documentation, compliance tracking, and communications to support program efficiency and accountability.
- Analyzed service delivery to identify gaps and implement improvements that enhanced client experience and reduced response times.
- Optimized resource use while reinforcing contract transparency and stakeholder trust.
Program Administrator
Utah Department of Human Services
03.2018 - 08.2020
- Provided leadership for service eligibility assessments and triage coordination in community-based disability programs, ensuring timely, equitable access aligned with policy and regulatory standards.
- Facilitated collaborative decision-making across interdisciplinary teams, guiding case prioritization and aligning operations with ethical frameworks and person-centered principles.
- Promoted consistency, transparency, and accountability while reinforcing organizational values of dignity, inclusion, and equity.
Program Compliance Reviewer
Utah Department of Human Services
08.2016 - 03.2018
- Conducted compliance audits and contract reviews to ensure adherence to funding regulations, policies, and quality standards.
- Identified improvement areas through analysis and provided targeted technical assistance to enhance provider performance, data integrity, and reporting accuracy.
- Supported risk management, regulatory compliance, and ongoing program improvement.
Transportation Services Coordinator
Work Activity Center
09.2015 - 08.2016
- Directed fleet operations and managed vendor partnerships to ensure seamless transportation aligned with organizational goals.
- Proactively monitored contracts and collaborated with stakeholders to maintain compliance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
- Enhanced service continuity, optimized resources, and strengthened interagency cooperation.
Technical Sergeant, Operations & Training
United States Air Force
10.2000 - 08.2015
- Led complex communication and tactical coordination across air, naval, and ground operations in high-stakes environments, ensuring mission-critical objectives were met efficiently.
- Developed training programs, conducted performance evaluations, and led readiness initiatives to maintain operational capability.
- Served as senior instructor and evaluator, providing mentorship and quality assurance to uphold rigorous standards.
- Developed teams and optimized performance in order to achieve desired outcomes.
Education
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Certification - Professional Certification
Utah Valley University
01-2021
M.A. - Organizational Management
University of Arizona Global Campus
01-2018
B.A. - Organizational Management
University of Arizona Global Campus
01-2012
Skills
- Strategic leadership
- Quality improvement
- Policy development
- Program oversight
- Diversity and inclusion
- Stakeholder engagement
- Team development
- Process optimization
- Collaborative relationships
- Adaptive organization
- Visionary thinking
- Effective communication
Websites
Certification
Results Based Accountability, 2024, Clear Impact
Volunteer Leadership
Board Member / Programs Co-Chair / Policy Ambassador, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - Utah Chapter
Timeline
Operations Manager
Safe and Sound Services
09.2025 - Current
Community-Based Services Reviewer
Utah Department of Health & Human Services
03.2025 - 09.2025
Operational Excellence Consultant
Utah Department of Health & Human Services
10.2023 - 03.2025
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Access Officer
Utah Department of Health & Human Services
04.2021 - 10.2023
Quality & Contract Manager
Utah Department of Health & Human Services
10.2020 - 04.2021
Program Administrator
Utah Department of Human Services
03.2018 - 08.2020
Program Compliance Reviewer
Utah Department of Human Services
08.2016 - 03.2018
Transportation Services Coordinator
Work Activity Center
09.2015 - 08.2016
Technical Sergeant, Operations & Training
United States Air Force
10.2000 - 08.2015
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Certification - Professional Certification
Utah Valley University
M.A. - Organizational Management
University of Arizona Global Campus
B.A. - Organizational Management
University of Arizona Global Campus