By Staff Reporter, PNN

Former OLM President, Wilfred Harris has been designated, “Father of the Year 2009” for the International Christian Fellowship Ministries.

The ceremony for conducting Mr. Harris as “father of the year” will be held during the regular worship service of Church at 3076 Humphries Drive, S. E. Atlanta, GA. on Sunday, June 21, 2009 at 10:45

Wilfred is married to Narilyn Grigby Harris and blessed with beautiful several children. Wilfred is a “father-figure” to several individuals in the Liberian and other communities who look to him for parental and fatherly guidance.  

His wife, Narilyn is an educator and holds a Master degree in Early Childhood Education. She works for the Atlantic school District.

Mrs. Harris described Wilfred as a devoted husband, loving and caring father and unwavering provider for his family. She said Wilfred is an exemplary leader and unpretentious in dealing with others. Mr. Harris’ said he is motivational, inspirational, and a remarkable teacher.

Wilfred Harris is currently the President of the Atlanta-based Liberian-American Partnership Initiative. The key objective of the Liberian American Partnership Initiative (LAPI) is to develop public-private partnerships between Liberia and the U.S.

As President of Organization of Liberia (2003-2005) he secured $250,000 federal grant  with the instrumentality of Former Minnesota US Senator, Mark Dalton and obtained 5 acres of land for the construction of a community center. He was an enterprising non-for-profit leader whose goal was to make the Liberia community organization service oriented.

Wilfred holds a MBA degree from Belmont University in Belmont, Tennessee in business and international marketing.

He is former West African Representative to the Council of Black Minnesotans, former Chairman of the Human Relations Commission of the City of Brooklyn Park in Minnesota, Chairman and member of several boards of directors and very ranking member of the Sinoe County Association in the United States.

Speaking to our reporter, Mr. Harris said he is humbled by this gesture and will continue to conduct himself in a manner worthy of emulation. He is inviting all Liberians who can make the trip to Atlantic to come and grace the occasion.

Meanwhile, Former OLM Board Chairman and Vice President under the Wilfred Harris’ administration, Mrs. Marie Hayes and her family are expected in Atlantic for this important event.

Father's Day is a day honoring fathers by Christians. It is celebrated on the third Sunday of June in 52 of the world's countries and on other days elsewhere. It complements Mother's Day, the celebration honoring mothers.