World Affairs Council of Charlotte Presents World Citizen Award to Johnny Harris

Johnny Harris was awarded the World Citizen Award by the World Affairs Council of Charlotte. Council chair Rajnish Bharadwaj (right) enjoys a moment with Johnny Harris and wife Deborah at the event.

In a room of inspiring leaders, June 15 belonged to one man – Johnny Harris, chairman and CEO of Lincoln Harris, who accepted the World Citizen Award in recognition of his service as a “driving force” behind Charlotte’s emergence as a global city. Described as a chief architect of modern-day Charlotte, his vision has led the way for developments and thriving neighborhoods that include Capitol Towers, Piedmont Town Center, Phillips Place, Rea Farms, Legacy Union in Uptown, and Ballantyne. Additionally, he played a key role in Charlotte’s selection as the host city for the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Final Fours in 1994 and 1996, respectively, and he has put Charlotte on the map for professional golf with Quail Hollow Club hosting the PGA Championship and the Presidents Cup. As a community steward, he has lent his expertise to the boards of the City of Charlotte Airport Advisory Committee, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Hospital Authority, Charlotte Regional Partnership, Trees Charlotte, Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, and the Charlotte Sports Foundation.

During the event, the organization shared a tribute video featuring local leaders who described Johnny as a connector who brings positive energy to everyone he meets. Longtime friend and collaborator Hugh McColl shared, “Johnny has been a true citizen of Charlotte, and he’s been one of the most important citizens of Charlotte. All the things that he’s involved in have benefitted Charlotte in a tremendous way in terms of building our reputation as a true, major city in this country.”

Fred Whitfield, president and vice chairman of operations for the Charlotte Hornets, talked about Johnny’s vision to bring sports on a global stage to Charlotte. “This region is so blessed to have someone like Johnny Harris,” Fred remarked. “He thinks about how we can make our home a place that businesses want to move to. It’s all about quality of life. It gives all of us confidence that we can go out and attract global events and host them here.”

Each year since 1990, the World Affairs Council of Charlotte has presented the World Citizen Award to a prominent citizen who has enhanced the standing of the Charlotte community in the world through accomplishments of international significance and contributions to the city, the region, and the international community.

Co-chairs of the dinner included Charlie Bartz of TowneBank and his wife, Martha, along with TowneBank Charlotte president Ted Wolfe and his wife, Amy. TowneBank Charlotte board member and Johnny’s longtime colleague Jubal Early served on the event committee. TowneBank congratulates Johnny on this esteemed honor!