Meet Our Team
Samuel E. Harris (Sam)
Co-Founder and Vice President, Reentry Recovery Alliance | U.S. Army Veteran | Author | Speaker
Sam is the Co-Founder and Vice President of the Reentry Recovery Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals reentering society after incarceration. His journey is one of resilience, transformation, and advocacy. After spending 24 years, 8 months, and 10 hours in prison (1999 to 2024), he turned his lived experience into a force for positive change.
During his incarceration, Sam held numerous leadership roles, including positions in church leadership and as a veteran group officer. In 2022, he founded the I OWE More Life Recovery Group, which continues to meet every Monday at Lawrenceville Correctional Center, providing support and resources to incarcerated individuals. Throughout his time in prison, he earned a reputation as a model inmate, committed to self-improvement and rehabilitation.
When Sam entered the prison system in 2001, he made a determined choice not to let his sentence define his future. He utilized every resource available to better himself and work toward his freedom. In 2024, his efforts culminated in receiving a pardon from Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, a testament to his personal transformation and dedication to helping others in similar situations prepare for their release and reentry.
As a U.S. Army veteran, Sam has also navigated the complexities of the Department of Veterans Affairs. In 2015, he was diagnosed with PTSD from an incident that occurred in August 1988, a delayed diagnosis that fueled his passion for advocating for justice-involved veterans, particularly those who have been misdiagnosed or left undiagnosed.
Beyond his work with the Reentry Recovery Alliance, Sam is the owner of SEH Consulting, a firm focused on addressing social challenges within the criminal justice system, with an emphasis on justice-involved veterans. SEH Consulting works to develop effective solutions for individuals impacted by systemic issues, offering strategic guidance and support to foster reintegration, rehabilitation, and mental well-being. Through this work, Sam advocates for justice reform, empowers underserved communities, and promotes sustainable change for those most affected by the justice system.
Sam also serves as a Mental Health, Reentry, and Veteran Advisor to The Humanization Project, supporting individuals navigating the challenges of reintegration and mental well-being. From 2021 to 2024, he served as Vice President of Prisoners Against Teen Criminal Habits, an organization focused on reducing youth incarceration through mentorship and advocacy.
Sam’s dedication to social justice and mental health advocacy continues to be a driving force in his work. His impactful initiatives and leadership are making a lasting difference in the lives of individuals affected by the criminal justice system, ensuring that second chances lead to meaningful opportunities for success.