Harvin grew up in Houston’s Briarcroft and River Oaks neighborhoods and attended Grady Elementary, River Oaks Elementary, and Lanier Junior High School. While at River Oaks and Lanier in the 1970s, Harvin was a part of the HISD’s newly instituted Vanguard program.

Harvin graduated from St. John’s School in 1982 and from Northwestern University in 1986 with a BA in Economics and Political Science, and a minor in Physics. He then earned an MBA from New York University and was awarded the prestigious Salomon Center Award for Excellence in Research in 1991.

Harvin’s wife Janet is a freelance writer and attorney, with her articles appearing frequently in the Houston Chronicle, Dallas Morning News, Asian Wall Street Journal, and other publications. Harvin and Janet have a seven year old daughter and a one and a half year old son.

The Moores are active members of The Church of St. John the Divine, which Harvin has attended since he was a child. Harvin was a member of Boy Scout Troop 55 at St. John’s in the 1970s and attained the level of Eagle Scout. He also played in the Post Oak Little League.