Ellen Harris is a retired educator, who worked for the Jefferson County Schools in Birmingham, Alabama. During her career, she served as a teacher, local school administrator, Director of Staff Development, and Director of Personnel.

Ellen is a lifelong United Methodist layperson, who has provided leadership at all levels, from the local church to the jurisdiction. She has held nearly every position of leadership at her home church, and served the conference level as a member and chair of many boards and agencies of the UMC. She also served as the Lay Leader of the North Alabama Conference, where she provided leadership not only in the Annual Conference, but the Jurisdiction.

Ellen lives in Birmingham, Alabama and has two grown daughters, ten grandchildren, and one great grandson.