Indiana 250: Lisa Harris

Lisa Harris leads Eskenazi Health, one of the nation’s essential health care systems that also serves as a training ground for the Indiana University School of Medicine. The Lown Institute Hospital Index has ranked Eskenazi Health as one of the nation’s top 100 health care systems for social responsibility, and Becker’s Hospital Review has ranked Eskenazi as one of its 150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare. Harris serves on the boards of the American Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis, Martin University, Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, United Way of Central Indiana, the Regenstrief Institute and the Phoenix Theatre.

First job and what it taught you

My first job was as a counselor at Girl Scout Camp Na Wa Kwa in Poland, Indiana. Convincing the kids who drew the unfortunate 8:30 a.m. swim slot that the water was “fine!” taught me a lot about persuasion. I also learned that the more time I can spend in the woods, the better.

Favorite thing about being a leader

I love that I get to work with so many thoughtful, talented, and deeply committed individuals, enabling them to grow in contribution to our work while [I am] learning from them along the way.

Something surprising

I have a cabin on a pond in Owen County that I visit at every opportunity. Grooming the woods provides immediate gratification and a chain saw ranks among one of my favorite holiday presents of all time.

Admires most (other than parents)

I deeply admire my mentor, Dr. Joe Mamlin, who, exhorting us to “work all day and dream all night” has demonstrated for so many of us what an unshakable vision of what health care should be coupled with determination, humility, perseverance, and optimism can accomplish against
all odds.

Sabbatical topic

I would take the opportunity to study Plein Air Painting.•