Early life and career Harriss was born in
Indiana and received a bachelor's degree from
St. Louis University in
Missouri. Harriss then spent 19 years in a variety of marketing and operations roles at the
Paul Harris Stores, a women's clothing chain.
The Walt Disney Company Harriss joined the Walt Disney Company in 1992 and held a variety of senior positions, including senior vice president of park operations at Disneyland, and senior vice president of stores for the
Disney Store chain. Harriss also served as president of
Disneyland Resort, where she managed the
Disneyland and
Disney California Adventure Park theme parks, as well as the resort's hotels and retail operations. In 2000, Harriss received the Tree of Life Award for outstanding
community service from the
Jewish National Fund.
Gap Inc. From February 2004 until May 2005, Harriss served as president of Gap Inc.'s Outlet division. In this role, Harriss oversaw Gap Inc.'s three outlet chains: Banana Republic Factory Stores, Gap Outlet and
Old Navy Outlet. Harriss was then appointed president of Gap Inc.'s namesake chain of apparel stores, overseeing the
Gap brand's operations, including its adult line as well as the brand's GapKids, babyGap and gapbody businesses. She resigned from this position in February 2007.
Marka Hansen, former president of Gap Inc.'s
Banana Republic brand, succeeded Harriss as president. ==References==