Former Governor Deval Patrick ’78 L’82: Leading Through Chaos and Anger - The Seymour E. and Ruth B. Harris Lecture

In this time when societies are facing an ever-widening array of challenges, and democracy itself is under threat, the Harvard Kennedy School has invited a distinguished set of public leaders to share their insights on the practice of leadership in the face of political divisiveness and exceeding complexity. On October 25^th, the Institute of Politics is honored to host this Seymour E. and Ruth B. Harris Lecture in the JFK Jr. Forum with former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick ’78 L’82 sharing his perspectives gained through a distinguished career in public and private life.  Juliette Kayyem, Belfer Center Senior Lecturer in International Security at the Harvard Kennedy School, will moderate the conversation.

Established in 1975, the Harris Lecture series honors Seymour Harris, an economist who taught at Harvard for more than 40 years and who, himself, was a dedicated public servant, having served as economic advisor for John F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign and as the chief economic consultant in the Johnson administration, among other public roles. The Harris Lectures historically feature inspiring public leaders, with recent speakers including Janet Wolfenbarger, a four-star general in the U.S. Air Force; Vivek Murthy, former U.S. Surgeon General; Stephen Harper, former Canadian Prime Minister; and Mary Daly, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco.

Please RSVP by 8:00 PM ET on Sunday, October 24 if you’d like the possibility of attending in person. We will notify you via email if you will be joining us in person or online. The Institute of Politics will be strictly observing all HKS COVID health and safety protocols. HKS buildings including the Forum are closed to the general public and attendance will be limited to the 100-person posted room capacity. RSVPs are required for in-person attendance. Unvaccinated persons should make every effort to practice social distancing. Masks must be worn at all times, except for quick sips of beverages. Food will not be allowed in the venue.