Mardrequs Harris Promoted to Deputy Director at Southern AIDS Coalition

For Immediate Release

Mardrequs Harris Promoted to Deputy Director at the Southern AIDS Coalition

Harris’s Promotion Strengthens SAC’s Commitment to Elevating Southern Voices and Empowering Emerging Leaders in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS

Atlanta, GA – [June 1, 2023] – Southern AIDS Coalition (SAC) is thrilled to announce the promotion of Mardrequs Harris to the position of Deputy Director. In his new role, Mardrequs will play a pivotal part in leading SAC’s mission to address the impact of HIV/AIDS on the Southern United States and elevate the voices of the Southern community.

Mardrequs Harris, a native of Somerville, TN, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new position. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN, and a Master of Education in Community Health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. With over a decade of experience in the field of public health, specifically focusing on HIV/AIDS, Mardrequs has made significant contributions across various sectors, including clinical research, community-based organizations, state government, and national affiliations.

As the former Director of Community Investments at SAC, Mardrequs has proven his dedication to the organization’s mission and has emerged as a respected leader within the community. His long-standing commitment to serving the Southern U.S. region, coupled with his passion for amplifying the resilience of Southerners, has made a profound impact on the work of SAC.

Reflecting on his promotion, Mardrequs stated, “As a Southerner, through and through, I take it as an honor and joy to serve in the various capacities that I have been afforded. I lead with service and don’t take it lightly when it comes to helping to elevate Southern voices, creating intentional spaces to shift narratives, and educating my community on HIV/AIDS and its impact on the South. When being interviewed, the question is often asked: ‘Where do you see yourself in 5 years?’ and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate my 5th Year Anniversary with the Southern AIDS Coalition than this. I am humbled and grateful to be SAC’s Deputy Director.”

Mardrequs’s promotion has been met with enthusiastic support from his colleagues and partners. Dafina Ward, Executive Director, expressed her admiration for Mardrequs’s dedication and commitment: “Mardrequs fights for the community. He shows up with respect, curiosity, and a desire to make things better. He sees beyond the surface and is always looking for ways to support emerging leaders. SAC is so fortunate to have him take on this new role, and I am honored to have him step into the Deputy Director position.”

In his new position, Mardrequs Harris will continue to champion SAC’s efforts in combatting HIV/AIDS in the Southern United States. His leadership, expertise, and unwavering dedication to the cause will undoubtedly drive SAC’s mission forward, making a significant impact on the lives of those affected by HIV/AIDS in the region.

About Southern AIDS Coalition: Southern AIDS Coalition (SAC) is a non-partisan coalition of government, community, and business leaders working alongside thousands of people living with HIV and our allies to end the HIV epidemic in the South. We do this through public health advocacy; capacity building assistance; PLHIV leadership development; research and evaluation; and strategic grantmaking. To learn more or to join us, visit www.southernaidscoalition.org.