ABOUT
JAMES HARHI is a strategic, forward-thinking, and entrepreneurial executive with 20+ years of experience leading operational strategy, financial planning and analysis, product management, and M&A to support unprecedented levels of business growth and transformation.
Throughout his career, James has been recognized for his ability to revitalize business strategy, drive innovative product development end-to-end, and create value and bottom-line revenue growth for corporations and emerging businesses. Leveraging his multidisciplinary skill set, James analyzes business challenges and develops strategies and solutions to create quick wins and promote long-term business growth.
At the start of his career, James developed his talent for entrepreneurship and innovation while developing a strong foundation for identifying and understanding customer and employee concerns at a high level. James drew upon this experience to drive products, services, and overall operations, that allow companies to focus on their core business while implementing innovative solutions to resolve issues.
In his most recent role as Senior VP for ProParks Attraction Group, James led business development and performance, while establishing board oversight for StarGuard Elite as part of an acquisition of two of his companies. James incorporated business process improvements, technology integrations, and reporting for four existing water parks with over 1,200 employees. He grew top-line sales by $6M and increased profit to $2.5M within two years while battling COVID’s impact to the amusement industry.
James is passionate about building top-performing teams to drive change and growth at all levels. He sets high expectations and provides both challenge and support while mentoring employees and building meaningful relationships with his teams. James focuses on supporting his team and providing them the professional development, skills, resources, and tools to be successful. He has proven success of building trust throughout all levels of an organization, from executives to vendors and serves as a true partner to all those he works with.
A firm believer in empowering his community, James served six years as a member of the Board of Directors for Prospera, providing leadership, advising, and funding for other small businesses to realize their dreams. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the UCF Foundation, his alma mater, transforming lives through philanthropy.
Complementing an impressive career history, James holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from University of Central Florida with minors in both Finance and Mathematics. He has been the recipient of multiple awards, such as Disney Strategic Partner Award, 4 time Harris Small Business of the Year, Disney Partners in Excellence, Prospera Small Business Success Story, and Brother of the Generation from Delta Upsilon UCF chapter for exceeding expectations.