Monroe Made: Laura Harris

Laura Raby Harris is a  proud graduate of Tellico Plains High School’s Class of 1995, and describes herself as a “Lady Bear for Life.” In high school, she served as class president all four years, was student council president, and played basketball. Those experiences gave her early leadership opportunities that served her well throughout her career.

“My small-town education and life in Monroe County more than prepared me to lead a successful life,” Laura shared. “You can grow up right here in Monroe County and make a meaningful difference.”

Laura’s high school principal, Alice Fouts, made a lasting impact on her. As Laura took on leadership roles of her own, she came to appreciate Mrs. Fouts’ example even more. “She showed me that effective leadership is not just about being in charge,” Laura said. “It is about having principles, standing firm when necessary, caring about people, and giving your very best to whatever responsibility has been entrusted to you.”

Coach Gary Tucker also had a lasting influence. Laura’s years as a Lady Bear taught her that individual success is never as important as what can be accomplished together as a team.

After graduating from TPHS, Laura attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and later earned her MBA in Healthcare Administration from Western Governors University. She began her career close to home as the School-Based Clinic Administrator for Monroe County Schools’ school-based health clinics. Today, she serves as Chief Executive Officer of Chota Community Health Services, where she continues to serve the community that helped shape her.

For Laura, serving Monroe County is much more than a career. “There is something profoundly special about serving the county that raised you, caring for the people who shaped you, and helping ensure that our neighbors do not have to leave their community to receive excellent healthcare,” she said. “To me, that is more than a job. It is a calling.”

When asked about her greatest accomplishment, Laura doesn’t point to a title or professional achievement. Instead, she speaks of her husband, two sons, church family, friends, work family, and the fulfilling life they share. She sees her successes as the result of the love, guidance, and support that others have poured into her.

Laura believes that “for those to whom much is given, much is required,” and she hopes to spend her life giving back to the community that has given so much to her. Laura summed up being Monroe Made best: “I am an example of what can grow out of a Monroe County education.”